Detached Belfry Circa 1 Yard North Of Church Of St Augustine

The detached belfry located about 1 yard north of the Church of St. Augustine is a significant structure dating from the late 12th or early 13th century, with alterations made in the mid 15th century, late 16th century, and in 1685. It was further strengthened in the second quarter of the 20th century and again in 1973. The belfry is timber-framed and covered with wood shingles. Originally a square open tower from the late 12th or early 13th century, it was enclosed in the mid 15th century by an octagonal structure that has a vertical base and is topped with three diminishing stages, each stage overhanging the one below it. A dragon weathervane dated 1797 is situated on top. The west side features a ribbed door.

Inside, there are four large canted tapering posts at the corners of the square frame, which once supported a large bell platform. The structure has been reinforced with lattice bracing, where the braces are halved over each other and joined to the posts using open notched-lap joints. The posts were truncated in the mid 15th century by about 5 feet and are surrounded by an octagonal frame with an open arcaded base and a tapering roof. Two additional octagonal frames were added above the original tower, creating a total of three stages. A new bell-frame was constructed above, with a floor inserted within the original tower, supported by four canted posts set inside the original 12th or 13th-century posts. A further bell-frame was added in the late 16th century between the floor and the 15th-century bell-frame, which was enlarged in 1685. The tower has been strengthened with cross-braces, and oak shingles were applied in 1936, with further strengthening in 1973. This belfry is a rare survival, although the interior has only been partially inspected.