Listing Text

ASHMANHAUGH CHURCH ROAD
TG 32 SW
2/6 Church of St. Swithin
16.4.55
- II*

Parish church. C12 origins. C12 west tower rebuilt 1849, C15 nave and
chancel, restorations 1840-42, 1849, 1867 and 1921. Flint with ashlar
dressings. Chancel roof of black glazed pantiles, remainder slate. Circular
tower undifferentiated into storeys. Pointed western lancet. Louvred lancets
north and south at belfry stage below crenellated parapet. 3 stepped side
buttresses to nave. Gabled south porch-entered through double chamfered arch
on circular responds. Statuary niche blocked. Latin cross on pedestal at
apex of gable. Cinquefoiled side lights within square surround. Wave moulded
inner south door. 2 2-light C19 Y tracery south nave windows. One 2-light
reticulated south chancel window. Diagonal eastern buttresses. 2-light
reticulated east window. No north chancel windows. One 2-light C19 cusped
north nave window under square hood to east of blocked north door. Interior.
Chamfered tower doorway. Round arched north and south C12 doorways, that
to north blocked with a pointed arch, this in turn also blocked. Double
chamfered chancel arch on heavy polygonal responds with polygonal capitals.
Basket arched C15 rood stair doorway leads via stairs to basket arched rood
loft doorway above. C19 braced nave roof. 8 C15 poppyhead bench ends on
C19 benches in nave, 2 with animal arm rests. On back of nave bench a carved
panel dated 1531 (Roman numerals) in 2 tiers. Upper tier with relief carved
foot-hand-heart-hand-foot (i.e. wounds of Christ). Lower tier with initials
and date. Table tomb in chancel to Honor Bacon 1591. Ashlar with slate top.
North side decorated with 3 shields and inscriptions. Against east wall of
chancel and standing on tomb a pedimented ashlar plaque bearing a shield with
3 boars.

Listing NGR: TG3144921161