church written in 1735, that it "had a lofty Spire leaded.
Blown down at Cromwell's Exit"—a dramatic description
of the great hurricane of 1658 which blew for three days.
The spire was never replaced and the only thing which
survived was the Angelus bell, which now hangs in the
cupola that crowns the tower. "The little cupola on the
square tower is (to quote Prof. Pevsner) an accent which is
lovable and a little funny". Although the present structure
(1950) follows the graceful outline and design of its early
18th century predecessor it lacks the delicate fluting and
ornamentation of the original.
The next thing of note is the S. porch. This was rebuilt
in sandstone when extensive restoration was carried out in
1865. Details such as the corbels of the dripstone may be
uninspired and dull, but in the main it is a good copy of the
original early perpendicular structure which was built of
chalkstone and thatched. The straight-headed side openings
and the varying heights of the sills are interesting. It was,
however, only due to the vigorous opposition of the vicar,
the Rev. William Vaughan, that the restorers did not destroy
the door. This repays close inspection for it is still possible
to see the original tracery and carving which date back to
1370. Just above the handle a crucifixion can clearly be seen;
higher up on the same panel is a pelican in piety, piercing
her breast to feed her young; at the top of the panel is a
dove, emblem of the Holy Ghost. On the right wing of the
door, at the top of the first panel is a spirited carving of two
men wrestling. It may be Jacob wrestling with the angel,
or it may be two yokels indulging in the favourite sport
of the period. Near the top of the second panel there is
possibly a stork, and in the centre, a figure of a man. It has
been suggested that since the church is dedicated to St. John
the Baptist, it may represent him baptising.
Still on the South side, further along to the East, is a
small early 16th century doorway which enters into the
Berners chapel. It is admirably proportioned and the jambs
and arch are of fine Tudor carved brickwork. Above is a
brick panel carrying the names of Berners and Elizabeth,