A fine looking medieval church, built between 1200 and 1340, with a prominent interestingly decorated west tower. You enter through the late medieval porch which is unusually inscribed with the date of it’s construction, 1456. Internally the church was spared 19th century intervention instead it has a rather pleasant 18th century quality. This must have something to do with the local families – the Sothebys at the Hall and the Palmers, at Ecton House, and the Walleys. The latter two are fully recorded in rather unusual marble genealogical tablets to be found toward the rear of the church. The Palmers also make an appearance in two fine tombs by Rysbrack to be found in the chancel. Here you will discover further monuments by Cheere and Rossi. The church has an important American connection as not only did Benjamin Franklin’s family come from here but Franklin himself visited his ancestral village in 1758. The bronze plaque recording this connection was put in the church in 1910. It is by Fritz Roselieb.
Please refer to the Glossary for any terms in the text that you are unfamiliar with.