Building record 1156/1/1 - Church of St. Mary Magdalene

Church built in the 13th century, with 14th and 19th century additions. Built of squared coursed lias and limestone ashlar with lead roofs. The church consists of an aisled nave and chancel, west tower and north and south porches. Archaeological investigation undertaken during the addition of kitchen and toilet facilities found evidence of deposits that may pre-date the current church, as well as a lead-workers hearth.

{1} 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).

{13} Ecton has two door-frame clocks and a chiming barrel;

{17} Archaeological trial trench excavation and subsequent observation was undertaken during construction of toilet and kitchen facilities within the church along with the introduction of associated services through the churchyard. Excavations within the tower identified a layer and remains of a wall built on top which predated the 13th-century tower and may be the remains of an earlier church, perhaps the cruciform building suggested by the East bays of the nave arcades. Two other features were cut into the layer, a hearth and a truncated grave. The grave may pre-date the tower and the hearth appears to be associated with lead-working, perhaps connected with the work of a glazier, possibly dating to the 15th century, when works were carried out on the belfry and clearstorey. Excavation of the service trench throughthe churchyard provided ample evidence of its use as a burial ground, but no other archaeological features.

{18} Undated photo;

{20} Drawing dated April 30th 1897 and photo dated 1888 of oolite disc on outside of south aisle, also drawing of inscription on north door, also drawing on rubbing of dial;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 18/79 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> 1986, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G05 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN100394.

<3> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.206 (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<4> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, (unchecked) (Series). SNN77384.

<6> Royal Commission on The Historical Monuments of England, 1984, An Inventory of The Historical Monuments in The County of Northampton, (unchecked) (Series). SNN77384.

<7> The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, p.124-26 (unchecked) (Series). SNN10247.

<10> Glynne S., 1859, Church Notes of Sir Stephen Glynne, (unchecked) (Manuscript). SNN39492.

<12> , 1828, Ecton Parish Church, (unchecked) (Report). SNN60036.

<13> Northamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group, 1996-2013, Northamptonshire Industrial Archaeology Group Newsletter, vol. 109 p. 7 (unchecked) (Newsletter). SNN55360.

<14> Baker G., 1822-36, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Book). SNN10400.

<15> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.143-45 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77326.

<16> Richmond H., 1988, Survey of Northamptonshire Parish Churches, Ecton (Unpublished Report). SNN1195.

<17> Ivens R.J., 2001, Archaeological Evaluation & Watching Brief at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Ecton, Northamptonshire, final report (Report). SNN102369.

<18> Photographs of buildings in Ecton (Photographs). SNN111810.

<19> Historic England, Undated, St Mary Magdalene's Church, Ecton, BF107307 (Archive). SNN115819.

<20> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/100/1,2,4,5 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Dec 17 2024 4:36PM