By G. E. Ponting, F.S.A. 439 



and crocketted pinnacles at the angles. There are diagonal 

 buttresses with three set offs at the angles of the tower; the stair 

 turret on the north is square on the outside, and retains its original 

 inside door. 



Across the chancel arch is an interesting oak screen with the 

 arms of James the First carved on each side ; this had Ijeen re- 

 moved and placed against the east wall, over the arch, hut was 

 replaced in 1901 (Plate XIV.). 



The railing and gates enclosing the sanctuary are a magnificent 

 example of late I7tli century metal work and, although probably 

 of Italian workmanship, were evidently made for their position. 

 In the centre of each gate is the monogram S.J, intertwined and 

 reversed, while in each of the panels to which the gates are hung 

 is the crest of the St. Johns, on a wreath. These panels are treated 

 as pilasters with capitals ornamented by the acanthus leaf, and are 

 surmounted by vases. The frame-work is forged into elaborate 

 scroll work enriched by overlying foliage and festoons of beaten 

 iron relieved by cherubs, while gilding has been lavished upon the 

 more ornate parts — the whole having a very rich effect. Along 

 the top rail are a number of triple spikes to give additional pro- 

 tection, and the idea of a guard fence seems to have predominated 

 over that of communicants' rails. 



The seventeenth and eighteenth century pews remain almost 

 intact. 



Interesting as are the architectural features of this Church it is 

 more remarkable for the unusual wealth of its old glass, mural 

 paintings, and monuments. Indeed, Aubrey says of the Churcli : 

 ''Hereis l)ut little that savours of venerable antiquity, but for modern 

 monuments and ornaments it exceeds all the Churches in lliis 

 countie " (it must be remembered that the monuments had unly 

 been recently erected when Au])rcy wrote),' 



Tlie hinaldic glass in the windows is fully set forth in Jackson's 



^ The elaborate series of monuments and eftigies of the St. John family 

 of the end of the IGth and 17th i-entnrios are not d escribed in tlii.^ i>aj)er. 

 »SV< Jackson'.s y//^/A?fv, ]»]>. 175—182. lllu.striition.s are however i,'iven of 

 them in mates XVI. aiul XVIl. 



vol,. XXXVIl. — SO. CXVll. 2 N 



