NHER 2470 (Building record) - St Mary's Church, Bexwell

1854. Casual Observation.
A stone coffin lid was found under the floor during restorations in along with medieval tiles, now in the Norwich Castle Museum (NWHCM : 1857.9). Museum accession records describe "5 Medieval encaustic tiles, 1 of which has a castle in concentric lozenges design and is glazed yellow and green on red clay, found at St Mary's Church, Bexwell, Ryston" and indicate "part of original floor and was found 5 inches below contemporary brick floor".
Information from Record Card (S2) and Norwich Castle Museum accession records.
H. Hamilton (HES), 28 March 2023.

Before 1894. Casual Observation?.
Two additional medieval tiles are held in the Norwich Castle Museum as part of the Fitch collection (NWHCM: 1894.76.601.1 and NWHCM: 1894.76.601.2). Both described as 14th-15th century, pale yellow glazed. One described as having the figure of a deer and probably found at Bexwell Church. The other described as having a deeply stamped figure of a dragon with wings and tail and found at Bexwell Church (Eames design XIX). It has been noted that it is possible these entries may refer to the same tile.
Information from Norwich Castle Museum accession records.
H. Hamilton (HES), 28 March 2023.

July 1951. Listed, Grade II.
Listing Description Excerpt:
"Parish church. Early 12th century west tower, nave and continuous chancel, altered 14th century and 15th century, restored 1874: Carstone with ashlar dressings and slate roof. 4 stage circular tower with late 14th century octagonal belfry."
Information from (S1).
Please consult the National Heritage List for England (S1) for the current details.
Amended by H. Hamilton (HES), 8 November 2019.

1968. Casual Observation.
According to information contained in the Bolingbrooke Collection (S3) at the Norfolk Record Office, the large brick relieving arch in the porch (see 1977 observation below) is Medieval and was rediscovered in 1968. It was the original entrance, whereas the inserted stone arch is Tudor.
Information from record card (S2).
H. Hamilton (HES), 28 March 2023.

February 1977. Field Observation.
St Mary's Church, Bexwell, Norman round tower, carrstone, round headed bell openings and simply arch: Perpendiculr octagonal top (though Church History claims this was added to accommodate a bell in the mid-18th centruy) Norman north and south double-splayed windows at west end nave (south one blocked); next to east, two tall lancets opposite each other, though Church History, which is not clear, seems to suggest that south one is a modern replacement of a wider window - there are possible traces of this on exterior, and the surrounds of both have been renewed. Then on south a possible blocked lancet visible outside. Two 19th century nave windows. Modern roof. Against north wall exterior a mark as if an attached building, but of unusual shape. Long south porch with a piscina and 19th century windows; Decorative south door with ornate niche over. And head stops; contains original wooden door. In porch is kept a beam full of beetle and dated 1634. Over porch outer arch is a high brick relieving arch. Chancel had blocked round-headed door on north askew through wall, and in south wall (not opposite) a blocked pointed door. Perpendicular windows, wide stepped sedilia in base of southeast with ogee piscina with shelf besode it. East window 1874, with shafts. Upper rood door. Monuments dated 1658 and 1634. 17th and 18th century floor tombs. Plain octagonal font. Old chest. Squint hole through chancel wall in southeast corner, now blocked outside. Fragments of medieval stained glass. Elaborate stone 19th cenitry pulpit by E. Lawne of Downham Market. Poor condition.
Information transcribed from record card (S2).
H. Hamilton (HES), 28 March 2023.

1984-1987. Repair work.
See press cuttings (S4) and (S5).