Holy Cross Milton Malsor
Formerly the Church of St Helen until the mid
18th century, the earliest visible evidence of the history
of our church would appear to come from the late 12th
century. One hundred years after the Conquest the Norman
style imported from Northern France was beginning to be
modified. The new style described by later experts as
TRANSITIONAL NORMAN can be seen in the limestone pillars in
the North aisle and possibly the Font. A simple rectangular
church with a low tower and a semi-circular apse at the East
end to accommodate the high altar was constructed during
this period.
This was however an interesting and exciting
time in church architectural history. Throughout Northern
Europe the new GOTHIC style was making its appearance.
Distinguished by the pointed arch, a more robust
construction than the rounded arch of its Norman and Saxon
predecessors it made possible the construction of larger and
grander churches and cathedrals.
In Britain Gothic architecture is divided
into three periods and each is represented in Milton Church.
Early English 1200 - 1300
The two triple lancet windows in the West wall, the Priest’s
door, now closed in the East wall of the side chapel, and
the third stage of the tower.
Decorated 1300 - 1350
The most important period for our church. The building was
enlarged and the Chancel was keyed in to the Nave thus
providing two side chapels. The two piscinas are evidence of
this. Proof of this later work can be seen by examining the
exterior stonework.
The North former chapel is now our vestry but
the South retains its original function and is dedicated to
St Katharine of Alexandria. The wheel window in the East
wall dedicated to the saint and her symbol of martyrdom
shows remarkable tracery and in one of the true gems of the
church. The North door structure and windows in the South
and East walls also belong to this period and a spire was
constructed on the tower, resting on an octagonal drum. The
present spire is a modern replacement following lightening
damage.
A small squint or leper window is sited in
the wall of the North aisle which now contains a memorial
window to Charles Sergeant, farmer, who was killed in an air
crash in 1974. The modern stained glass was designed by Miss
Cummings, sister of our Rector at the time.
Perpendicular 1350 - 1500
To see this style at its most impressive you must visit a
cathedral or a large town church but our modest examples
here in Milton are worthy of study. The style is high and
plain represented by the windows in the North aisle. Proof
that they replace earlier windows can be seen by examining
the exterior stonework.
During the past centuries our church displayed Rood Screens,
wall paintings and a gallery.
Classical
The Renaissance stimulated considerable interest in the
architecture of ancient Greece and Rome and can be seen
today in many churches particularly those designed by Sir
Christopher Wren and his contemporaries.
This style is present in Milton Church but
not in the structure of the building. Gothic and Classical
styles rarely fit comfortably together. It can however be
seen in the funerary monuments on the walls.
Of particular interest is the memorial over
the south choir stall to Dame Jane, wife of Sir Sapcoates
Harrington and mother of James who became a famous
historical and literary figure. On the North wall of the
side chapel is a large tablet in Latin to the memory of
Richard Dodwell, a brilliant linguist who pursued a highly
successful legal career.
Victorian Restoration 19th century
A subject which arouses deep passion with such comments as
“destruction of ancient fabric etc”. Milton Church appears
to have come through this period to advantage. Most of the
work carried out in the 1870’s encouraged by the Rector,
Revd Brown. The result is bright welcoming interiors with
superb woodwork. The pews in particular are to be admired.
The stained glass including the great East window is late
Victorian.
Recent History
Constant maintenance and repair work is needed to keep this
beautiful building in good condition and most of the work is
expensive. Examples are:-
