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Church History

The font - 1320 – survived from an earlier church

By the mid 16th century the tower arch is raised, and the roof raised and rebuilt.

1525    the start of work to rebuild and enlarge church

1525-29   the north aisle is extended from the side chapel of St Clement and St Catherine

1534-35   the south aisle is extended from what is now the Trinity chapel

The pillars on the North & South aisles are different suggesting this difference in time.

Ship auctions are held in church

1573   the Earl of Leicester’s men play here - and later include William Shakespeare 

1537   the South Porch is built as the main entrance and finished in 1539

1952   the Arches of the south Porch are rebuilt

1984   the porch, which had been damaged by the growth of ivy, is renovated

The distinctive arches were made to enable processions to pass round the church and round the altar without leaving consecrated ground.

Later the arches spanned the little lane coming up from beach, which was the only road past church until 1824.

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for we are baptised into one Body