The medieval church of Saint Mary's was consecrated in 1094. It shows evidence of architecture from many different periods: Norman, early English and Perpendicular. There was then a major restoration during the Victorian era under Giles Gilbert Scott. St. Mary's wooden spire was completed in 1450 and is covered with twelve tons of lead.
There is a chamber over the south porch which is reached via a wooden staircase from inside the church. This was built in 1324 probably as a chantry chapel.
Little of the original Norman building remains apart from the lower section of the tower. The west doorway at the foot of the tower with its zig-zag pattern and distinctive capitals is thought to date from 1125.
The Chancel, with its fine arch and lancet windows, had been constructed by the end of the 12th century and this was followed by the rebuilding of the nave and the addition of the two transepts.
By 1450, the present clerestory windows and the nave had been constructed. The roofs of the nave and transepts are reckoned to be the finest in Middlesex with over 300 carvings, while the spire is covered with 12 tons of lead.
This chest is in the north transept and was probably used to store vestments. It is thought to have been in use for over eight hundred years.
The brass to John Lyon, founder of Harrow School, and his wife Joan, is on the walls of the nave near his grave by the lectern.
The font, of Purbeck marble,dates from 1200.
The lych gate which is the entrance on the harrow School side of the church.
No comments:
Post a Comment