(3) The Chancel Arch & Rood Loft

The chancel arch dates from the early 13th century. Immediately to its left is an opening containing stone steps, which once led to the rood loft.

When the chancel was rebuilt, a wooden screen separated it from the nave. Above this stood the rood beam, bearing carved and painted figures of Christ on the Cross, flanked by the Virgin Mary and St John. None of these figures survive anywhere in England, having been destroyed during the Reformation.

A later and more elaborate screen included a narrow gallery—the rood loft—used to tend candles placed on the beam. The lower part of this screen survived until it was removed during Victorian restoration in the 1860s. There were inscriptions of Exodus XX (The Ten Commandments) on the chancel arch wall until one of the restorations. In addition, mural paintings from the 12th/13th century were uncovered in 1882 in the church, depicting scenes like the Nativity and Passion but these can no longer be seen.