Listed Building: Church of St. Mary Magdalene (1294128)

Church. C13, C14 and C19. Squared coursed lias and limestone ashlar with lead roof. Aisled nave and chancel, west tower and north and south porches. South elevation of chancel one-window range with 3-light window with C19 reticulated tracery. Ashlar gable parapets and finials and shallow pitched roof. 4-light east window has reticulated tracery. North elevation of chancel is similar to the south with a blocked door opening below the window having a 4-centred moulded stone head. South aisle is of 4-window range. The 3-window range to the left has 2- and 3-light square head windows with carved label stops. Ashlar gable parapets and lean-to roof. South porch to left of centre has double-chamfered pointed arched openings with octagonal responds to outer arch. Ashlar gable parapets and shallow pitch roof. Finial with sundial to left. One-window range to far right of south aisle forms the south chapel and was reconstructed mid C19. One 2-light window with south door in gable projection to left and similar 3-light east window. Ashlar parapets and shallow gabled roof. Three C18 tablets fixed to south aisle wall, one with cherubs heads and drapery. North aisle is of 4-window range of 2- and 3-light square head windows with carved label stops. Ashlar gable parapet and lean-to roof. North porch is similar to south but with moulded and chamfered arch head openings. Statue niche above outer arch. Ashlar parapets and shallow pitched roof. Nave clerestory of 3-window range of 2-light square head windows. Ashlar gable parapets and shallow pitched roof. West tower of 4 stages with 3-stage shallow angle buttresses to lower 2 stages. West door in Decorated opening with cusped lozenge above. 2-light Decorated ringing-chamber openings to each face of third stage. Fourth stage is Perpendicular of limestone ashlar stepped back from lower stages. Pairs of 2-light bell-chamber openings with transoms to each face. Quatrefoil frieze above with quatrefoil parapet and gargoyles and pinnacles at corners. Interior: 4-bay nave arcade of C13 double-chamfered arches with polygonal piers and one circular pier to north. The eastern bay to either side is separated from the other bays by a masonry pier; these may indicate the position of former transepts. Triple-chamfered chancel arch with octagonal responds. Similar north and south chapel arches and tower arch with two, 3 and 4 chamfers respectively. Plastered ceilings to nave and south aisle with some exposed beams to south aisle and 3 carved wooden bosses to nave wall. Other roofs are C19. Early C19 panelled pulpit and box pews. Late C17 communion rail. Plank doors to north and south porches. Circular font on C19 base. Family trees of Palmer and Whally families consisting of square marble tablets formed into pointed arch shapes. Monuments: Samuel Freeman died 1707, chancel west wall, is a cartouche surmounted by an urn and flanked by cherubs. John Palmer, erected 1732, by Rysbrack, chancel north wall, is large marble tablet on brackets with bust above and cartouche below. John Palmer died 1761, by Rysbrack, also signed by H.Cox, is similar with obelisk behind. Catherine Whalley died 1817, by Rossi, south wall of chancel, is 2 kneeling figures holding a circular medallion. Ann Isted died 1763, north wall of south chapel, is an inscribed tablet with urn, pediment and obelisk above and flanking cherub: various marbles and Rococo detailing. Norris family, early C18, west wall of north aisle, is a stone tablet with flaming heart and masons symbols at head. South chapel has many C18 and C19 tablets to Isted and Sotheby families of Ecton Hall. Stained glass: north chancel window by Morris and Co. 1924. Early C20 chancel east window and 2 windows in south chapel. (Buildings of England: Northamptonshire p.206).

Record last edited

Dec 22 2023 9:14AM