NHER 4368 (Building record) - St Mary's Church, Stradsett

St Mary's Church.
West tower, nave and chancel in one. Tower, and chancel east buttresses, of stone and carrstone with some ironbound conglomerate, but rest of building rendered over. Tower is 13th century, Early English unbuttressed, with lancets and stone-edged putlog holes; the belfry openings appear to be 15th century Perpendicular tracery added to existing Early English shafts. Nave doorway 13th century with headstops. Both north and south doorways have raised surrounds inside, suggesting the walls have been altered or rebuilt. Priest's doorway of same date. Remainder of
church much restored in 19th century, but windows imitate 13th century style perhaps more or less accurately. Exception is east window, fine Perpendicular 15th century. South porch 19th century, as is church roof and
north vestry. East window contains good stained glass, South German of 1540, also some in west window. Brass 1418 (not seen). Good 19th century altar rail. Several early 19th century books on window sill are full of insects. Old commandment board.
Plate (according to (S1) paten 1568 chalice, altered (S1) records a rare gold communion service - where now? (S2) records an earlier south porch). Most gravestones in yard have been removed to the boundary.
E. Rose (NLA), 6 August 1980.