CHURCH LARKING - Blakeney Parish Church.

Many years ago I visited St Nicholas Parish Church in Blakeney, during a holiday in North Norfolk in the 1980's. The weather must have been dismal, because my recollection of Blakeney's interior is of a dark, dirty and damp interior, not that interesting. This has so coloured my view, it was not high on enthusiasm on my 'larking' list.

On this visit, the weather was a bright, windy and cold day in April. My feelings about it could not be more opposite. What an absolute gem of a church. Though there was an earlier church, its location has yet to be ascertained. Even the name Blakeney did not come into common usage until the 13th century. This may mean there was a complete shift in location around this time

The oldest surviving part is the glorious Chancel, uniformly built in 1240, Early Engilsh style, with a low arched construction. It is a near perfect example of the period. The seven lancet east window is so distinctive and striking. Its also worth checking out the misericords, four of them are from the 13th century. The Chancel is the only part of the church externally rendered which may indicate surface decay beneath, which could not be afforded proper repair. Whatever the reason, along with the bell tower, this gives the church an Italianate 'Renaissance' resemblance, that is not at all North Norfolk. 

Medieval stained glass fragments, salvaged from windows broken during the Reformation, have been formed into roundels. This window in the north aisle sits opposite a five window sequence of 20th century glass in the style of the arts and crafts, in the south aisle.

The elegant slim bell tower that is such a distinctive feature of Blakeney Church, sits against the north east corner of the Chancel. It was built prior to the nave and main tower, which were being constructed from 1435 onwards. This may suggest that there was no other tower, or what tower there was, was not built strongly enough to support a belfry. The single bell tower, may have provided a maritime guide for ships, but this was not its primary purpose  which was simply to call people to Mass.

Beyond the 13th century Chancel, the 15th century nave has a sleek and lofty impressiveness. A large clerestory holds a hammer beam roof made of oak and sweet chestnut, with magnificent carved angel guardians. Its one sign of the increased wealth in the 15th century, being generated on the East Anglian coast through its wool trade. Something Blakeney shared with its near neighbour in Cley, until the silting up of the shipping channels there reduced, then closed, access.

Blakeney Church over the centuries has been further gifted with a range of fine quality furnishings. A beautiful carved 20th century rood screen and lectern. A truly vast thousand pipe organ. A rood transferred from a German church in 1930. Fine statuary and a stunning side chapel altar. All of which are continued testament to the care and desire to further beautify its interior to the glory of God.

This weeks pencil sketch