NHER 4424 (Building record) - St Mary's Church, Crimplesham

19 May 1977. Visited.
Of carrstone, not well laid (S1) calls it 'brown rubble'.
Massive Perpendicular west tower with equally massive stair turret; belfry windows made into brick louvres.
Norman north and south doors, south with mass dials, and one north window.
Other nave windows Decorated style, all except southwest cusped tracery; southeast has external head stops.
Chancel rebuilt 1875, the windows as splayed lancets; original form was what?
Double piscina preserved (but recut) thought to be from the time of Edward I (1272 - 1307) when these were in fashion. Also in base of adjacent window sedilia with cusped jambs.
Brick south porch, called 17th century by (S1), but it has a niche over; very unusual for this date! Vicar calls 15th
century but brickwork seems later.
Round headed niche high in nave south wall interior.
Plain octagonal font.
Tower screen is rood screen from North Weald Bassett, Essex, 15th century but already showing Renaissance forms. Painted commandments 1761 restored 1933.
Early 19th century organ.
Churchyard in excellent condition.
E. Rose (NAU).

In Wisbech Museum a brass armorial of Dereham family of about 1600 from this or West Dereham church
E. Rose (NAU).
(S3). (S2) in file.