This is part of the church micro series! Welcome to St. Mary's church Martham.
St Mary's church is known by many as the "cathedral of the fleggs" as it dominates the local landscape with a 100 foot tower housing six bells and is one of the largest and perhaps grandest churches for miles around. The nave has a fine hammerbeam roof with magnificent carved angels. Marthams most spectacular treasure is a collection of medieval glass in the east windows of the South and North aisles,part of a much larger sequence originally however there is a series of more than 20 panels of individual saints and scenes. The church was built during two periods, the tower and nave were built between about 1377 and 1450 the chancel that was built at the time became totally dilapidated and was rebuilt between 1855 and 1861. The new chancel is a magnificent example of the gothic revival architecture of that period. When works were carried out in 1999 on the tower floor the footings of a round tower were found probably dating to the 12th century. During excavations medieval graves were also identified as well as a small lead melting pit containing medieval window glass. St Mary's also has a parish chest made circa 1300 with its lid carved from a single tree trunk.
An odd fact is that St Mary's had two dog whippers employed (believe it or not) they were charged with removing unruly dogs from church and grounds during services ,they were given a 3 foot-long whip and a pair of dog tongs to remove the animals !!! It was not uncommon for household dogs to accompany or at least follow their owners to Church services. If at any time they became loud,fought with other animals ,attacked the congregation or were otherwise disruptive it was the job of the dog whipper to remove them!
Bats live within the church and are a great sign that the ecosystem is thriving here so if you happen to be here around dusk keep an eye out for them.
This cache is a custom made cache within the church grounds with the kind permission of the vicar Steven. Give him a wave he knows what you're up to!😉
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series