All Saints Chancel

All Saints Chancel, Barnwell

Church chancel of the 13th, 14th and 18th centuries, restored in 1893. The building is constructed of squared coursed limestone with a lead roof. The chancel is all that remains of the original church; the nave, aisles and tower were removed in 1823–25.

The south elevation comprises two bays with a single-window range. A 3-light Perpendicular window to the right features a transom, cusping, hollow reveals and a 4-centred arch head, though its lower lights are blocked. To the left is a now-blocked square-head opening with trefoil tracery, hood mould and carved label stops. A single-stage buttress stands to the left, with a chamfered plinth and remains of a string course. The elevation is topped by a shallow gabled roof with plain ashlar parapet and finial.

The east elevation displays a 5-light Perpendicular window with hollow reveals and a 4-centred arch head. The lower section of this window is blocked with an ashlar panelled screen, below which sits a chamfered plinth bearing a partially legible inscription on a panel.

The north elevation contains a central 2-light Perpendicular window with transom, cusping, hollow reveals and a 4-centred arch head. A small low side lancet window to the right is now blocked. A fragment of the return wall of the nave aisle, attached to the far right, has been formed into a buttress.

The west elevation features a central chamfered chancel arch with semi-circular responds, now blocked. A central doorway set within the arch has a 4-centred arch head and carved label stops.

Interior

The west wall shows the outline of the former chancel arch. The sanctuary contains fielded panelled reredos and side panelling. The centre panels have arched heads flanked by pilasters with Corinthian capitals. A panel to the far right is hinged and contains an manuscript on vellum describing the life and death of Henry Montagu. Another hinged panel on the right-hand wall provides access to a piscina. The roof structure dates to the 19th century.

Monuments

The chancel contains numerous monuments. Dame Letice Montagu (died 1611) is commemorated by an inscribed tablet with armorial device, bracketed from the south wall. It is topped by a moulded cornice surmounted by a circular shell device with an obelisk above and flanking coronets.

Henry Montagu (died 1625) is marked by a tall marble obelisk against the south wall, surmounted by a heraldic device. The upper section is divided into five panels bearing the arms of his ancestors. An arched recess below contains a figure of the deceased who drowned in infancy, beneath which is a representation of water with a central spout and flanking feet. Inscribed panels describe the manner of death. A helmet and rapier are attached to the wall above this monument.

Hon. Richard Montagu (died 1697) has a brass plaque behind a hinged panel to the right of the altar, alongside an illegible brass panel.

Thomas Dillingham (died 1704) is commemorated by an inscribed tablet on the north wall with arms above and below and a small arm above.

Mrs Elizabeth Creed (died 1714) is marked by a black arch-head tablet on the west wall with ashlar surround, keyblock and moulded cornice surmounted by an urn with torchere. The inscribed tablet may be reset.

Matthew Hunt (died 1729) and his wife are commemorated by an inscribed tablet on the north wall surmounted by an urn with torchere, set in an arched niche.

William Dillingham (died 1744) and his wife are marked by an inscribed tablet on the north wall with moulded cornice and three finials.

A 18th-century tablet on the south wall describes the family of Sir Charles Montagu. A brass tablet on the south wall records all members of the Montagu family, who became Earls of Sandwich, who were buried in the family vault beneath the church between 1625 and 1862.

Various 17th and 18th-century black inscribed floor tablets commemorate Earls of Sandwich.

An octagonal font is partly supported off the wall and partly supported on two octagonal columns.

The sanctuary panelling is said to have been a gift from John, second Duke of Montagu, in 1740.