All Saints' Church, Great Fransham
The church is an ancient building of flint and freestone, which has suffered structural damage and change during the last two hundred years. The south aisle disappeared about 1800 and a wall was built along the line of the pillars. In 1878 these fine 13th century pillars, which are leaning outwards, were freed of bricks and rubble and a new wall was built outside them. Four windows were also included in this restoration.
In October 1944 a damaged flying bomb landed on the farm just to the west of the church, causing considerable damage to the church building.
There is a particularly fine brass in the Chancel to Galfridus Fransham who died in 1414. Almost five feet high, it shows him in full armour. Vincent Raven, who died in 1887, was Rector of the parish for 35 years. He carved and presented the magnificent oak alter table. He also carved the oak lectern and poppy heads on the stalls of the chancel.
The church was made a Chapel of Ease in 1962 and a current restoration programme is being funded by a generous grant from English Heritage.
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