278 



Durrington and Durnford Churches. 



" Some few ancient features remained which were thought worthy 

 of preservation, and these I have endeavoured to introduce 

 in the new fabric with proper effect. 



" Amongst them I may mention the Norman arcade separating the 

 nave from the south aisle ; this has been thoroughly cleansed 

 from all whitewash, repaired where needed, but not removed. 



" A Norman doorway was walled up in the north wall of the 

 nave, and a piscina in the south aisle. 



" During the progress of the works, on removing the old walls 

 several fragments of Norman carving were found imbedded 

 in them ; they have all been inserted in the new walls, so 

 also have portions of the old fabric, which could not be re-used 

 for their original purpose. 



" On the north wall a painting was brought to light on removing 

 some of the whitewash, but unfortunately the workmen had 

 broken down a large portion of it before a drawing could be 

 made — a sketch was made and an actual tracing taken of 

 the fragment which remained. The entire figure of St. 

 Christopher 1 was destroyed ; the colours, green, red, and black 

 were very perfect. A fragment of stone coloured green, and 

 red and gilt in part was found within the rood-staircase, 

 which may have been part of a niche. 



" Indications of coloured ornamentations were also found on the 

 Norman arcade. In the north wall the rood-loft door and 

 the base of the staircase were found. 



" In the chancel a square-headed window occupied the western 

 end of the south side — a piscina and credence the eastern 

 end — and an aumbrie was found walled up in the north 

 wall ; these have all been restored, so also have the Early 

 English lancets on the north and south : they are of plain but 

 good character. The east window was of late Perpendicular 

 character of three lights, and on removing the necessary 

 portion of the east wall, for the insertion of the new triplet, 



1 This was visible at the time of Aubrey's visit, for he says: 44 On the 

 North wall is painted a huge St. Christopher." 



