St Mary's church - view west

Image: © Evelyn Simak Taken: 27 Jul 2008

Sparham village occupies one of the highest points in Norfolk. St Mary's church > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/899722 - http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/899735 sits roughly in the centre, surrounded by a vast churchyard. It was built in the 14th century and rebuilt and restored several times since. South aisle and clerestory were added in the 15th century and the present tower dates from this time also; it is, however, buttressed inside which indicates that it would have been freestanding at one time. The original rood screen has been removed but sections of it are now on display, leaning against the nave north wall. The panels are of particular interest in that they depict scenes from the Dance of Death, a unique portrayal in screen painting > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/899741 - http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/899742. A brass to William Mustarder (d. 1490), a rector, can be seen on the floor in front. See also: http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/sparham/sparham.htm Only recently, in March 2008, a new stained glass east window > http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/899744 was installed in the north aisle; the window, made by stained glass artist Emma Blount, depicts the Tree of Life, with many animals hidden in its foliage and roots: six Norfolk birds (barn owl, tern, eagle, geese, swallow and snipe), two fish, a cat, two dogs, a squirrel and a bee. An inscription reads: "In the midst was the tree of life whose leaves were for the healing of the nations." (Revelations chapter 22, verse 2).

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