Church Of St Tetha

The Church of St Tetha is a parish church with origins dating back to the Norman period. In the 15th century, north and south aisles were added, and the west tower was partially remodelled in 1630, as indicated by a datestone. The church was restored in 1877-9 and again in 1913. It is constructed from stone rubble, with the north and south aisles having snecked stonework, a moulded plinth and wall plate, and large granite quoins. The tower is also of rubble construction, with bands of ashlar granite. The roofs are slate, covering a nave and chancel combined as one space.

The church retains some Norman features, including remains visible in the northwest corner of the nave near the junction of the north arcade and the tower base. The tower’s first stage is believed to be Norman. The 15th century saw the addition of three-light Perpendicular windows in the north and south aisles, although some were replaced during the 19th century restoration. A projection for a rood loft stair is located in the north aisle. The west tower has three stages, with moulded strings, a plinth, and a battlemented parapet topped with crocketted finials. A west door is dated 1630, accompanied by a three-light Perpendicular window. A circa 15th century arch leads to the south porch.

Inside, the nave, chancel, north aisle, and south aisle feature circa 15th century waggon roofs, though the nave roof was partly replaced in the mid-20th century and the north and south aisle roofs were replastered. There is high-quality carving to the wall plate in the north aisle. Six-bay arcades with four-centred arches and type A piers (according to Pevsner) separate the nave from the north and south aisles. Furnishings are partly replaced, incorporating circa 15th century bench ends in the north and south aisles. The choir stalls and pulpit include circa 17th century carved panels bearing the arms of the Carminow family. A set of royal arms is dated 1703. A circa 15th century font is present, along with a 17th century alms box. Two Norman capitals were reused to form the base of the altar table in the north aisle. A Norman font bowl was discovered at Vicarage Farm. A circa 15th century recumbent effigy is set within a south aisle window. Memorials from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries are visible, alongside ledger stones, and fragments of old glass remain.