Church Of St Andrew

The Church of St Andrew is a church dating from the 12th to 15th centuries, constructed of squared coursed lias stone with a lead roof. It comprises a nave, aisles, a chancel, and a west tower. The chancel’s south elevation features a two-window range of two-light Perpendicular windows, with a small south door between them. The east window is a three-light window in a similar style. A north aisle, extending the full length of the chancel, was built by John Chambre between 1494 and 1505, incorporating two three-light windows of simple Perpendicular style and a matching four-light east window.

The south aisle has a three-window range of two two-light windows with reticulated tracery, and one three-light window with a four-centred head. A 12th-century south door, situated between the first and second windows from the left, displays zig-zag decoration, carved capitals, and double shafts. The north aisle also has a three-window range: two two-light windows with intersecting tracery, and a three-light window with a four-centred head to the west.

The west tower, dating to the late 12th century, has a west entrance with zig-zag decoration, moulded capitals, and shafts. Above the entrance is a 12th-century triple arch. The second stage features a five-bay arcade with detached shafts, while the third stage has double Early English bell openings with semi-circular arches above and pointed arches flanking, repeated on each facade. A corbel table with battlements supports a 14th-century recessed spire with two stages of lucarnes.

Inside, the chancel has a two-bay arcade leading to a north chapel, with an octagonal pier. A double-chamfered chancel arch leads into the nave, which is topped by a shallow 19th-century kingpost roof. The nave arcade consists of a 12th-century section on the north side, featuring semi-circular arches with step and chamfer, square abaci, capitals with upright leaves and circular piers, and a 19th-century section on the south side with double-chamfered arches on circular piers. A 12th-century tower arch and shallow kingpost roof are also present. The church includes two arcaded tomb recesses in the south aisle and one in the north. Stained glass is found in the east window, created by Powell in 1899. Monuments include a brass commemorating Robert Powell and family (1464), and a tomb chest with a recumbent alabaster figure of Sir John Swinford (1371), along with its original iron gridle. A piscina and sedilia are located in the chancel. A tall niche with an ogee head and foliated finials is on the east wall of the south aisle. Numerous marble tablets, including two by William Cox featuring cherub heads against obelisks, and 19th-century pews with traceried ends are present. The octagonal font dates to the 13th century.