Font - St Martin's Church, Fincham, Norfolk
Posted by: 
Norfolk12
N 52° 37.765 E 000° 29.580
31U E 330331 N 5833998
A lovely old flint stone church in this Norfolk Village. The famous Norman font here came from a second church in this village, called St. Michael's Church, which was pulled down in 1744.
Waymark Code: WMA9Z5
Location: Eastern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 12/10/2010
Views: 3
This church was extensively rebuilt about 1450 with all the grandeur of the Perpendicular period. It is on the exact site of the earlier St. Martin's church and partly on the original walls. The famous Norman font here came from a second church in this village, called St. Michael's Church, which was pulled down in 1744.
The Norman font is one of the many superb Norman fonts to be found in Norfolk.
It is 2ft. 7ins square standing on 5 circular pillars which are much slimmer than usual. Each side has 3 typical Norman arches and ornamental strips top and bottom. The carvings are most interesting:-
S side: Mary, Joseph, and manger with heads of cattle and star.
E side: Three Magi bringing gifts, wearing crowns.
N side: Adam and Eve with serpent in tree of knowledge (repaired).
W side: Baptism of Jesus with St. John the Baptist and a Bishop.
The exterior of this church is so dramatic that it invites visitors to walk around outside first. The tower is both lofty and well proportioned with a fine stepped and panelled parapet. On the buttresses you will find various designs including the arms of the Fincham family, who were the principal donors for all the Perpendicular period work in this church. "M" for Mary and "IHS" can also be seen on the buttresses. The tower starts with a panelled base course and ends with a very fine weathervane. It has a large West doorway, which is very finely moulded, and its hoodmould ends with recumbent lions as stops. It has quatrefoil designs in the spandrels. Above the doorway is a great west window of 4 lights.
The S. Porch is also Perpendicular period, c. 1450, although you will read the date 1852 on its parapet, which was the date of its repair. The W half of the parapet has again been restored recently. There is a fine gargoyle just below the apex of the parapet, and you will soon find that gargoyles are one of the many outstanding features of this fine church.
details from church leaflet.
Approximate Age of Artefact: Norman
Relevant Website: Not listed
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