St Mary’s, Stamford by cfulton

Photography • Architecture • posted on Jun 07, 2012

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Description

The oldest surviving parts of St Mary’s date from early in the thirteenth century, but there was a church here dedicated to St Mary as early as the Norman conquest and probably some time before that.Fragments of Norman and maybe earlier work were found in the tower during its restoration in 1913. In old records the church has been called “The church of our Ladye of Staunford”, and “St Maries by the bridge”.The nave and aisles, with the added clerestory were probably rebuilt in the 15th century, after the depredations of the Lancastrian army in 1461. Also introduced at this time was the south porch, the elaborate stone vault in the tower, and the new windows to the chancel and chapels. The chancel arch was also rebuilt and heightened and the Corpus Christi Chapel ceiling was installed. The church was originally entered by the 13th century west door, when a vista of the interior leading through the chancel arch to the focal point of the Altar would have been visible, beyond the original screen.The upper and lower doorways to that screen can still be seen at the east end of the North Aisle. Rob did take me into this church, so I do have one or two shots of the interior. Thanks for all the views and comments, Clive