All Saints’ Dovercourt | St Paul’s Parkeston | St Nicholas’ Harwich | St Michael’s Ramsey

Mobile

In the 12th Century, the main part of the original church was built.  The north doorway and the small window to the right of it (as you look from the entrance porch) are Norman.

In the 13th Century, the main part of the original church was improved in the Early English style.  A picina, to hold Holy water (by the pulpit) was added, and the staircase (above the organ console) was built to connect to the rood loft (from which minstrels used to play).

Improvements in the Decorated style were added in the 14th Century.  These were two north and two south facing windows in the nave.  Remember that we are talking about the 1300’s, when no tower or chancel existed.  The 15th Century Perpendicular style followed, and this era saw the tower being constructed, the doorway (by which you enter the church) being decorated with figures of Our Lady; representing her coronation and the Holy water stoop being used.  The font dates from this period.  Note the shields and scroll design, a local trademark.

The Tudor 16th Century saw the building on of the chancel, with large simple windows above the main altar.  The roof dates from 1547. The window by the pulpit was added at this time.

The 17th Century saw the construction of the intricate Jacobean pulpit – a real treasure.  The 18th Century saw the first rebuilding of the tower, with a belfry, lattice windows inserted and battlements added.  The bells would have been rung during this period and on into Victorian times, of course.

The 19th Century Victorian era saw much rebuilding of the nave floor.  Perhaps, fortunately, no stained glass windows were inserted.

The 20th Century has seen additional tower rebuilding work – the latest repair and renovation having been completed in 1995, the addition of six wrought iron lanterns in the nave and one in the porch: these were donated by public subscription in memory of six children and their teacher, who died in a serious road accident.

The seating inside, under the organ pipes, has been altered recently to allow an informal children’s area to be created.

And in the 21st Century we now have an extension on the north side of the church, a small room for meetings and facilities for extending the work of this church into the community.