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The Tower & Bells
The
present tower is dated 1635, see above the west door, and replaces an
earlier structure. The reason for rebuilding is unclear but looking at
the north and south clerestory and the west nave windows it is obvious
that considerable damage to the nave West End accompanied removal of
the earlier tower. Whether it was caused by fire or collapse may never
be recalled for certain.
The
tower is recognised as one of the best examples of post reformation
construction in the gothic style. It is in three stages. Resting on a
moulded plinth it rises to an embattled parapet surmounted by pinnacles
at each angle. There is a carved string course below the parapet. A
spiral staircase is built into the south west corner of the tower with
openings to the clock room, bell chamber and the tower roof.
The present tower is
dated 1635, see above the west door, and replaces an earlier structure.
The reason for rebuilding is unclear but looking at the north and south
clerestory and the west nave windows it is obvious that considerable
damage to the nave West End accompanied removal of the earlier tower.
Whether it was caused by fire or collapse may never be recalled for
certain.
The tower is recognised as one of the best examples
of post reformation construction in the gothic style. It is in three
stages. Resting on a moulded plinth it rises to an embattled parapet
surmounted by pinnacles at each angle. There is a carved string course
below the parapet. A spiral staircase is built into the south west
corner of the tower with openings to the clock room, bell chamber and
the tower roof. The final assent to the roof is very congested and
obviously not intended for regular use! However there is a fine view
from the top of the tower and it is, on occasions, possible to see up
to seven other churches.The memorials in the base of the tower were
probably moved to this location during some previous development in the
church. Those to Mary Burnaby and to Thomas Miller, a barrister and
gentleman who was a considerable benefactor to Brampton and to his
friends, who included Samuel Pepys, are of special note. The War
Memorial of the 1914 - 1918 war was originally the Reredos behind the
high altar, but was rebuilt, engraved and placed in this position.
Fragments of stone at the base of the tower are parts of a thirteenth
century cross. There are also fragments of carved stone built into the
tower which probably originated from the earlier structure.A church
plan of 1834 shows a gallery at the West End of the nave; access to
this was by a staircase, the remains of which can be seen in the south
wall of the tower.The screen between the nave and tower, constructed in
1924, is a copy of the chancel screen built some 500 years earlier.
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Inscription
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cwt
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qtr
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lbs
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MAGDALENE (Mears
& Stainbank 1962)
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5
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2
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10
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PRAIS THE LORDE
1600 (William Watts of Leicester)
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5
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2
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1
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THOMAS NORRIS MADE
MEE 1674 (Recast Mears & Stainbank 1934)
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6
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2
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22
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AMBROS (Reputed to
be early 16th century, Robert Newcombe of Leicester)
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7
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0
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17
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THOMAS RUSSEL OF
WOOTON MADE ME 1741
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9
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3
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19
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ALL GLORY BE TO GOD
ON HI 1630 (in F) (James Keene of Woodstock)
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13
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2
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26
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Click here
for information about bellringing at St Mary Magdalene.
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