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Guide to St Mary's Church

Rood Screen

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Rood Screen section Queen Elizabeth I initially encouraged the removal of all rood-screens but later (1561) she permitted a 'comely partition between the chancel and the church, to be suffered in quiet'. The Reformation and bigotry during the 18th century caused many screens to be destroyed. The screen in St Mary's was originally a double one, comprising two parallel partitions running north and south.The western screen was against the west face of the piers of the eastern tower arch. The other partition was some 10 feet to the east, near where the return stalls are now situated. The gap between these two partitions was floored overhead to form a gallery some 15 feet wide, and this platform (rood-loft) supported a large crucifix, or Rood. It also accommodated choiristers or a 'pair of organs'. From this loft in medieval times the bede-toll was read,. the bede-toll being a list of benefactors or parishioners for whom prayers were said during Mass. What remained of the original screens was taken down in 1875 but by 1893 there was move to replace at least part of it. This was accomplished under the direction of John Bilson, then architect to the church. Access to the loft was provided by a stone stairway inside the north-east tower pier. The doorways still exist although they are no longer used.
Last modified: 27 September, 2004