Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 7.djvu/200

 ARCHITECTURAL NOTICES, RELATING TO THE CHURCH OF GILLINGHAM, NORFOLK. The interesting series of Architectural Illustrations, accom- panied by a description of Gillingham Church, in Norfolk, here submitted to the Archaeological Institute, have been prepared by Mr. T. Hill, whom I requested to undertake them, during his temporary residence in the neighbourhood. The church is a fine specimen of pure Norman, of an early rather than a late period ; apparently belonging to the reign of Henry L, and in its plan it is, I think, nearlj' unique. It is divided lengthwise into five parts : a western compartment, a tower, a nave, a chancel, and an apse. The western part is more than a mere porch, as it opens into the tower, not by a door, but an arch, similar to that between the tower and the eastern part of the church. The tower, being narrower than the nave and this compartment, is supported by arches to the north and south, as though it were the centre of a cross church. There is an arch between the nave and chancel, also between the chancel and the apse. A modern south transept is added, and some lancet windows, probably later than the Norman work, aj^pear in the chancel. The mouldings, in general, are very bold and effective. Gillingham is about a mile from Beccles, on the Yarmouth ^<^^^- JOHN LOUIS PETIT. P.S. Ro^^^ngton Church, in Warwickshire, affords another instance of a tower rising from the centre of the nave. It is of a later date and style altogether. GILLINGHAM CHURCH, CLAVERING HUNDRED, NORFOLK. Gillingham is called in the Domesday Survey " Kildin- cham," and it appears from that document, that this Manor was held by Guerd ; King Harold's brother, Stigand, Arch- bishop of Cantcrbuiy, having the soc. The church property is mentioned as consisting entirely of meadow land. Guerd was deprived of it at the Conquest, and it passed into the hands of the King. In King Edward I.'s reign, Gillingham seems to have been held by two separate parties, out of which two fees, came two lordships with two churches.