Church Of Saint Nicholas

BIRDSALL MAIN STREET SE 86 NW (north side) North Grimston 3/21 Church of Saint Nicholas 10.10.66 GV I

Church. C12 and C13, C15 east window, with remodelling of south side of chancel in C18. West tower, 4-bay nave with south porch, 3-bay chancel. Tower with clasping buttresses. To west: lancet window with evidence for former triangular hood-mould. Early C13 sculpture of Saint Nicholas, with tunic of tightly folded drapes held over one arm, the other holding a staff. String course. Pointed double belfry openings. String course to plain coped parapet. Weathering line of earlier steeply-pitched roof visible on east face of tower. Nave: opposed north and south round-arched doorways, that to north in plain frame, with a pair of Anglo-Danish affronted beasts in panel over; that to south, in porch, of 2 orders with roll-moulding and nailhead. Square-headed and pointed 2-light windows. Corbel table of Anglo-Danish beast heads to north. Chancel: square-headed windows and door beneath keyed stone lintels to south. 2 lancets to north. East front: 3- light Perpendicular window. Interior: chancel arch of 2 orders with zigzag to outer order. Font: massive Norman drum with reliefs of the Last Supper, the Descent from the Cross, and Saint Nicholas in episcopal robes. C14 coffin slab with elaborate foliate cross in chancel. Monuments: Elizabeth Cracroft, died 1602. Brass inscription plaque surrounded by 4 brass coats of arms in elaborately carved stone surround. Thomas Langley, died 1723: tablet flanked by Corinthian columns, resting on shelf supported by consoles, and carrying a scrolled pediment and achievement. Similar but less ornate memorial to Thomas Langley, died 1697. Pevsner N, Yorkshire, York and the East Riding, 1972.

Listing NGR: SE8413667780