|
57. St Mary the Virgin, Yapton
Approaching this historic West Sussex church the massive Norman tower built at the end of the 12th century is very dominant. Two large buttresses of Caen stone were added at a later date, but despite this the tower is 11 degrees out of perpendicular - rather like a Sussex Leaning Tower of Pisa. On top of the tower is a shingled timber spirelet in the form of a pyramid. The other external features to note are the unusual dormer windows, dating from 1670, on the south side and the long sloping roof over the nave and aisles with its eaves only five feet from the ground. Also on the south wall traces of 10 scratch or mass dials can be seen. The interior is somewhat gloomy with a broad nave divided by arcades to leave two narrow aisles. The south aisle has five windows. The easternmost one of the side chapel is of Norman origin and contains greenish glass. There are two unusual windows very close to ground level. One, a round one is still blocked, but the other, of quadrefoil design was opened up in 1905 and also contains green glass. The font, of pre-Conquest origin, is one of the most impressive features of the church. It has a large round basin of limestone and outside eight tall arches are carved with sword shaped crosses. They symbolise the Sword of the Spirit. Many other crosses can be seen carved on nearby pillars and arcades presumed to have been made by medieval pilgrims en route to the tomb of St Richard of Chichester. The chancel is of Early English style, c.1200. The east window only dates from 1902 but contains some attractive stained glass placed in memory of John and Sarah Collins. The northern light shows St Wilfrid, the Agony in the Garden and Christ bearing the Cross, the centre light depicts the Nativity, the Crucifixion, the Ascension and Christ the King, whilst the southern light portrays St Richard, the Walk to Emmaus and the Supper at Emmaus. In the south wall a blocked up Priest's Doorway can be seen. There are a number of 18th century memorials on the north wall, including one above the pulpit to an early benefactor Stephen Roe, who died in 1766 leaving the interest on £1,200 for the poor of the parish. On the floor propped up against the pulpit was an unusual stone plaque, probably 18th century, which read "This chancel is the Property of Hon George Thomas, Esq and Walter Sydferfe - jointly'. The pulpit and lectern are Edwardian but the candelabra, holding seven candles, hanging at the entrance to the chancel is made from the rim of a 14th century bell. Under the 1914-18 Roll of Honour there is a 12th century piscina whilst traces of medieval wall paintings can be seen on the north walls near the font. JOHN SYMONDS |
|
page last updated 31 MARCH 2002 |
