Venue Type & Location
Performance Spaces
Overview
Located in the fens close to the Norfolk border, the limestone church retains its Norman nave, Tudor chancel roof and lofty 162' Early-English tower.
Performance History
Mid-16th c. churchwardens' accounts record a number of performances by players in St Mary's Church.
Current Status
History of the Venue
1115 Wooden church built on an unknown site by Robert de la Haye and subsequently given to the Cluniac priory of Castle Acre, in W Norfolk.
ca. 1170 Norman church built in stone on a different site, founded by Lady Nicola de la Haye.
early 13th c. Detached tower added to the SW.
early 14th c. W end of S aisle widened and heightened to extend its reach to the tower.
mid-14th c. W window and door added.
1370--1400 S aisle E of the entrance porch rebuilt and N aisle extended to correspond with the S aisle. E end of chancel renovated.
ca. 1500 2-storey S porch added, with a parvise (upper chamber) for a school.
ca. 1510 Chancel renewed. Hammerbeam roof added, carved with 28 figures of angels and men. 4 new arches opened into the side aisles.
late 17th c. Outer walls of the nave raised by 10' in brick and new clerestory windows added. Nave roof lowered by the addition of flat wooden panels and painted ceiling.
early 18th c. E end panelled in oak, with a gilded oak reredos in addition. Clear glass window replacement in the Georgian style inserted above the altar at the E end. Other chancel windows blocked.
ca. 1780 Ground level arches of the tower, open on 4 sides, walled up for safety.
1852 Extensive restoration began including the re-opening of the chancel windows, once again filled with stained glass.
1865--6 Further restoration: Georgian gallery, box-pews, panelling and whitewash removed, chancel renovated.
1873 N porch rebuilt and S porch restored.
1893 Nave roof restored and brick clerestory rebuilt in stone.
1971--5 Spire restored.
Record Source
REED Lincolnshire 1.224--9
Patrons who owned this venue
[No data found.]