The History of St. Mary's Stradsett

History of St Mary's, Stradsett

Much conglomerate stone has been used in the tower walls, and possibly in the other walls; but rendering of the surface prevents one from seeing it there. This stone is particularly found in very ancient buildings.

The tower has lancet windows in the lower stages, typical of the Early English period. The top stage was rebuilt in the Perpendicular period, with pinnacles at the angles.

The windows are divided by re-used, twisted shafts of the 13th century.

The outline of this delightful Church in the Park is typical of a country Church 700 years ago, with its square unbuttressed West tower, and continuous walls for nave and chancel.

There is no chancel arch, but there are both North and South doors for the nave, and a Priest's door.

These are all features of the Early English period.

Many thanks to Norfolk Churches for the photographs of St. Mary's.

The Bell frame of oak is the original of c.1530. There are three bells, inscribed as follows:

1. Osborn and Arnold St. Neots fecit 1774
2. Charles Newman made me 1700
3. H. Tomson C. W. Charles Newman
made me 1700

The tenor bell is 32 inches in diameter.

Five windows are glazed with resurrection scenes, and Christ blessing the children, in memory of the Reverend Philip Bagge, Rector of Walpole St. Peter (1853-90). They are typical of the climax of Victorian Church restoration work, having been completed in 1891.

The stonework of the East window is 15th century Perpendicular period work, and provides the perfect setting for Stradsett's famous glass. This was made in Augsberg (S. Germany) in 1540, and bought by Thomas Philip Bagge c.1820, for this Church.The style is quite distinct from anything else in England today. It shows the Wise Men in gorgeous robes, accompanied by their servants in a courtyard. They are offering their gifts to the Madonna and child, dressed in blue, white and gold, and seated in a stall, whilst Joseph looks on. A small ox and ass can be seen on the extreme left. The donor is featured in dark blue in the bottom right corner, marked with the cross of St. Anthony. The rich gold colour of the Wise Men dominates this impressive scene.

Above are the minstrel angels playing some most interesting instruments, and the six winged angels are also in attendance.

In the tower, there is a West window with glass, where a panel depicts the Crucifixion of Our Lord, and below it there is a roundel bearing the Lamb carrying a flag which represents Christ in his sacrificial role. The two items have quite separate origins, but are appropriately set here together.

Under the carpet in the centre of the Church there is also an indent with marginal inscriptions in Lombardics of Dame Emme de Montalt. This is believed to date from about 1332, so she might have remembered the building of this Church.