66 CHURCHES IN THE RURAL DEANERY OF DORCHESTER. 



monogram of S. Mary in the tracery of one ; in another the 

 Tudor rose of Henry VII. 



Since the above was written the rebuilding of the church has 

 been commenced. A chancel with organ chamber are to be added to 

 the nave ; the ancient chancel arch, with one of its hagioscopes, will 

 be removed to the latter. The removal of the whitewash from the 

 walls disclosed wall paintings of different dates over every part of 

 the church ; on the splay of a window on the north side was a good 

 design of the 15th century, on the west end of the same side and 

 on the south side were figure subjects of the same date rudely 

 executed, and on the east end texts of a much later date. In the 

 gable at the east end, above the ceiling, were the Royal arms of 

 King Charles, well painted, and the motto " Feare God, honor the 

 King" above it, the whole filling up the gable. 



The removal of the lead covering revealed an oak timbered roof 

 of most massive construction. The tie beams were squared trees 

 16x12 inches; the struts between the principals from the tie 

 beams to the ridge formed a series of arches, and similar struts 

 from those beams to the purlins formed, where perfect, a similar 

 series of arches on either side, in planes at right angles with the 

 rafters. The effect from the floor, had the ceiling been removed, 

 would have been unusual and striking. This roof was originally 

 undoubtedly of the 14th century, and, although it had been repaired 

 in 1721 and again in 1813, the character of the 14th century roof 

 was well preserved. Timber roofs of this period are rare. 

 Amongst the carved stones belonging to the Xorman building, 

 found in taking down the old walls, were some rich chevron 

 ornaments belonging to an arch, the plinth of a pilaster with 

 cable moulding, and a portion of some decorative work. 



21. COMPTON VALEXCE. 



This church was rebuilt a few years ago. The tower, of 

 ordinary 15th century character, alone remains of the old 

 church. The brass described by Hutchins is still in its place. 

 An ancient (15th century) piscina is built into the chancel wall, 



