Building record RGV 066 - Church of St Mary

The earliest parts of the church date from the 14th century with 15th century alterations including roofs and windows; the current vestry was added in the late 16th century probably as a mausoleum. The tower was re-faced in the late 18th century with walls generally rebuilt from low level upwards in association; there is a date inscribed of 1784. The south porch was rebuilt in 1819. The church was repaired and reseated 1849-1850 by Thomas Farrow. It was recorded that J P Seddon provided the design for a pulpit in 1874; Pevsner states that the current pulpit is to that design. The organ is a late 19th /early 20th century instrument.

The main parts of the church are flint built with limestone dressings, the surfaces being generally rendered or very full pointed externally. Walls are plastered and lime washed internally. The vestry walling is red brick, plastered and lime washed internally. The tower walling is largely of red brick, internally with a white brick external facing with stone dressings and prominent stone pinnacles at the corners. Roofs of the tower, north aisle, south aisle and vestry are lead covered, nave and chancel are slate covered and the south porch roofed with red clay pantiles. The walling in the various parts is all original fabric according to its date of construction.

The bell frame is contemporary with the construction of the tower in 1784. The frame initially held 5 bells, with a 6th being added in 1785; there are no records of any changes to the frame since then including 1898 when the bells were rehung, tuned and quarter turned. The bells were recast in 1691 by Charles Newman of Norwich and again in 1736 by Thomas Newman. The triple bell of 1785 was cast by Thomas Osborne of Downham Market (S1).