It’s the nave’s roof. When you would expect to see soaring stone vaults here you find a late gothic wooden roof instead (albeit restored by G.G. Scott in 1876). It’s like an upturned boat.
Perhaps more curious than successful but well worth the journey to this handsome village. Note the carved bosses – 6 assorted clerics, a man with a beard, and a variety of grotesques.
The church as a whole is a glorious example of mid 13th century English gothic architecture. The rood screen is largely original although here and on the adjacent pulpit, the medieval decoration has been restored. The latter has a number of fine, full length painted bishops as well as Christ as a man of sorrows.
To the left of the altar, inset into the wall, a carved relief of a woman as Wrath. You can see her head clearly, a winged monster to her right and her self - wounding by a sword – a good warning even today. One good 17th century monument to Thomas Elmes who died in 1664. It is attributed to the royal sculptor Thomas Cartwright the elder. A handsome affair in black, grey and white marbles and alabaster.
Please refer to the Glossary for any terms in the text that you are unfamiliar with.