Sacombe

109. SACOMBE.

(O.S. 6 in. xxi. S.E.)

Ecclesiastical

(1). Parish Church of St. Katherine, stands on high ground in the middle of the parish. The walls are faced with flint; the roofs are tiled. The Chancel and the Nave were built in the 14th century. The South Tower, probably originally of the same period, was re-built in 1855–6, when the whole church was thoroughly restored, faced with flint, and re-roofed, the W. wall re-built and a Vestry added. Much of the stonework for this restoration was brought from the demolished church of Thundridge.

Architectural Description—The Chancel (24½ ft. by 16 ft.) and the Nave (43½ ft. by 21 ft.) have modern windows and doorways, but the responds of the chancel arch are of the 14th century, and have wave-mouldings on both sides. The Tower is 11 ft. square.

Fittings—Bells: three, 3rd 1683. Brasses: in the chancel, to Eleanor Dodynton, 1537; to John Dodington, her husband, 1544; inscriptions only. Monuments: on N. wall of chancel, to the Rev. John Meriton, Rector of the parish, died 1669; on W. wall of vestry, tablet to Sir Thomas Rolt, 'Agent of Persia and President of India,' 1710, and his wife, 1716. Piscina: in the chancel, with modern recess, bowl probably 14th-century. Plate: includes cup of 1688 and flagon of 1715. Miscellanea: hour-glass stand, in vestry, of iron, 17th-century.

Condition—Good.