Despite an extensive 19th century refurbishment this attractive church retains a number of its medieval features including the 14th century Decorated tracery in the east window and its 15th century nave windows, tower and font. Between 1863/4 Canon Sparke (rector 1831 – 1870) oversaw a complete rebuilding of the chancel, when it acquired marble and alabaster decorations and a Te Deum reredos. It is believed that the architect of the work was Frederick Preedy who was also responsible for designing stained glass windows in the church described by Birkin Haward as “outstanding”.
Believed by many to be Frederick Preedy’s greatest work the window was designed c1867 to commemorate the death of Preedy’s cousin, Henry Styleman le Strange of Hunstanton Hall. Following a restoration in 2005 the glass was replaced in pristine condition allowing Preedy’s work to be admired in all of its glory.
The apex of window contains the ‘Crown of Glory’ below which the tracery lights depict a heavenly host of angels holding banners and playing instruments.
In the main lights Preedy has used a device called typology, which was very popular in medieval times, whereby Old Testament events are seen as anticipating those of the New Testament. Thus for example he produces a scene from the Old Testament story of Abraham being ordered by God to sacrifice his only son Isaac which is clearly linked to New Testament scene of Christ’s crucifixion. Similarly both Elijah and Christ are depicted ascending to Heaven. The following scenes are represented:
First column. Top to bottom:
1.
The soldiers arrest Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemene
2.
Peter, James & John sleep as Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemene
3.Jesus offers the cup of wine to his disciples during the Last Supper.
Second column. Top to bottom:
1.
Jacob’s dream at Bethel where he sees a stairway to Heaven
2.
Joseph is taken from the well to be sold to the Ishmaelites
3.
Moses makes a bronze serpent. Anyone bitten by a snake who looked at it was cured.
Third column. Top to bottom:
1.The Ascencion
2.The Resurrection
3.The Crucifixion.
Fourth Column. Top to bottom:
1.
Elijah, watched by Elisha, ascends to Heaven in a whirlwind
2.
Jonah emerges from the whale (large fish)
3.
Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac.
Fifth Column
1.
The meal at Emmaus on Easter Day
2.
Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene in the garden outside the tomb
3.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus lay Jesus’ body in a new tomb.
Believed to be designed by Clayton and Bell c1890 the window is dedicated to the memory of Adolphus Waller vicar of the parish 1870 – 1890. The main lights contain images of the high priests Aaron and Zacharias together with St Stephen and St Paul. Angels carry banners extolling the reader to praise and magnify the lord.
The window designed by Henry le Strange and made by Frederick Preedy c 1862 depicts the Jesse Tree which is a pictorial representation of the genealogy of Christ proceeding from the stem of his ancestor Jesse who was also David’s father. In the words of Isaiah: ‘A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesses, from his root a branch will bear fruit.’
Possibly designed c1900 by the Powell workshop the window is dedicated by Norfolk’s freemasons to the memory of Hamon le Strange who was their Grand Master for 20 years. It depicts the main characters in an allegorical play associated with the Freemason movement in which Hiram is presented as being the chief architect of King Solomon’s Temple who is murdered during an unsuccessful attempt to force him to divulge the Master Masons’ secret password. The story is presented as a lesson in fidelity to one's word, and in the brevity of life.
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Designed by Frederick Preedy the window depicts St Edward the Confessor.
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Designed by Frederick Preedy the window depicts St Edmund holding an arrow.
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Designed by Frederick Preedy the window depicts St David with a dove on his shoulder.
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Designed by Frederick Preedy the window depicts St Ambrose with a beehive at his feet and holding a scourge
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Designed by Frederick Preedy the window depicts St George astride a horse slaying a dragon.