In September 2004, Roy Tricker, Churches Conservation Trust south east regional field officer, and self-described ‘crusading ecclesiologist’, came to visit all six churches in the Earsham Benefice.
Roy, who has been visiting churches from the age of four, documented his comments and observations. That document was recently donated to Hedenham Historical Society archive.
Although Roy’s comments have been made as a visitor to the churches, not in an ‘official expert’ capacity, he has researched and prepared guides for some of the churches in the Benefice.
Roy recommends, if using his notes as a guide to the church, that the exterior of the church be looked at first. He also notes that Norfolk has more churches than any other county of England, and that much of the work found in churches is surprisingly expensive.
The following notes are common to all the church in Earsham Benefice:
The churches are all medieval in date.
The handsome flint used can be accounted for due to lack of local stone or bricks. This dearth of construction materials meant that extensive use of flint was necessary. That flint was sourced from fields.
The Sanctuary would have been lower when built. This can be seen in the height of the piscina – for hand washing – and the three seats for the celebrant, deacon and sub-deacon, needed to carry out High Mass.
The chancel is often different in appearance from the rest of the church as it was the Rector’s responsibility. This responsibility was a paid role, for which the Rector received tithes. The rest of the church maintenance was the responsibility of the congregation and Lord of the Manor.
The Porch was used for business: a hand shake in the porch ‘sealed the deal’, with God as witness. The Porch was also used for the ‘churching of women’, and the place where marriage vows were exchanged.
The large iron ring on the church door gave sanctuary for a fleeing wrongdoer. Put into practice, the sanctuary wasn’t really a way out of wrongdoing – it gave time for reflection as the wrongdoer would have to come out eventually.
Medieval fonts had lockable hinged covers to prevent water being stolen. Salty water mixed with saliva was used and left in the font all year. Look closely at the font, a recess where a hinge once was may be visible if the cover is a replacement.
Most churches were fitted with box pews at one point. These were purchased or rented, and could only be used by the owner or renter.
During the 18th century, many churches were not well cared for. Altar rails were needed to prevent animals gaining access and soiling the sanctuary.
Original stone altars were replaced by tables during the Reformation. The removed stone can sometimes be found in the churchyard.
Windows are a good source of dating: tracery circles are late 14th century, straight lines point to the 15th century. Flatter arches signify a later date.
The next set of notes relate to St. Peter’s Church, Hedenham:
The tower, which, in Roy’s opinion, has ‘a lovely top’, tapers, with no buttress, and dates from 1417. The belfry has original, two-light, tracery windows. The tower top once had eight pinnacles.
The chancel dates to the 1300s and is a period piece.
St. Peter’s nave was built one hundred and fifty years later, in the 15th century. Rendering has been used on the outside of the nave and chancel. The original roof, carrying lead, dates to 1417.
The windows on the north side of the nave are Early English, dating to the 12th century. Typically of this period, they are small with large openings.
The church door is simple, described as ‘old’, date wise, and has a sanctuary ring.
The font, similar to that at Ditchingham, may have been designed by the same person.
The interior was restored; some areas of work carried out circa 1820, and the Priests’ Door in 1827.
The major part of the work was carried out in 1865 by a London Architect named Tarbet. This included a flamboyant vestry, new chancel arch, benches and pulpit. Box pews were provided, and the originally medieval bells were recast (there will be separate post about St. Peter’s church bells).
The most significant feature of the church is the chancel, which is a High Church Victorian period piece, no doubt influence by The Oxford Movement, which rejuvenated the Church of England (as did the Evangelical Movement).
The chancel has been designed, making use of much colour, with stained glass to dim and add an air of mystery, the overall effect seeks to bring one to their knees.
The sanctuary dates mostly to the 14th century, but with a higher floor.
The wall paintings of 1860 recreate medieval style frescoes, using the scenes as a visual aid. The ceiling was painted by the Rector’s wife.
Very expensive glass was used in the windows.
There are several memorials dedicated to the Bedingfields.
The chancel is slightly out of line with the nave.
Medieval bench ends can be identified by having holes for tapers.
Roy ends his notes and commentary with mention of Reverend Gordon Paget, who was an eccentric, passionate about organs, and collected church artefacts from many sources. Some statues and pictures remain at the back of the church, but most have been removed.
Further Reading:
What Does Your Local Church Say About You? https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/magazines/suffolk/22612012.local-suffolk-church-say-speak-eccentric-roy-tricker/
