Photo taken by Daniel Tink
predeceased their parents. The monument is by Nicholas Stone.
There are four pieces of furniture worthy of note. First is the splendid altar-screen. We don’t know when it was installed, but probably in the early 18th century. Most churches had something similar, but 19th century restorers
disliked
them because they were not mediæval, so we are fortunate this one survives. The two blank panels either side originally had the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed written on them (you can make out the letters under the black varnish), and the two centre panels, now covered in gold brocade, have the Ten Commandments on.
Next, the pulpit. Again, we have no idea when it was installed, nor where it came from. It is thought to be French, and possibly 17th century date. Note especially the delicate carving of the flowers round the centre panel. It is the equal of many similar ones in Wren’s churches in London.
Finally, the font and its cover. The font itself is the oldest item in the church: it is 13th century,
office@finecity.co.uk
WELL-TO-DO PARISH IN THE 17th AND 18th CENTURIES, AND THIS IS REFLECTED IN THE QUALITY OF THE MONUMENTS ON THE WALLS AND IN THE FLOOR
THIS WAS A VERY
and the sense of continuity when babies are baptised in it now is very strong - over 700 years’ use. Its cover is 17th century and is similar to those at the neighbouring churches of St Michael-at-Plea and St Andrew. Were they in competition with each other?
Most visitors are struck by the extraordinary glass in the north aisle windows – they either love it or hate it! Installed in 1867, they are some of the earliest 19th century stained glass in Norwich. Other glass includes the two mediæval roundels in the south aisle.
One is a mere jigsaw of bits and pieces while the other shows ‘April’ from a series of Labours of the Months. The man is running indoors to avoid a shower – and, judging by the size of the raindrops, he is wise to do so! The ‘Magnificat’ window, by the pulpit, is by the studio of William Morris.
This is a church, I always think, built on a human scale. It feels welcoming even when no-one else is there. It is amazing how quiet it is, given that Tombland and its bus-stops are just a few yards away. It is open most mornings from Tuesday to Saturday. There is a Low Mass on Fridays at 10.00, and Sunday service is at 10.30.
You can purchase The Mediaeval Churches of the City of Norwich from outlets across the city or, alternatively, order online at
www.heritagecity.org
Photo taken by George Plunkett To advertise call 01362 288084 7
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