St. Nicholas Thorne – The 15th Century

A general view of  the church of St. Nicholas in Thorne

The extension of the church of St. Nicholas in the Perpendicular Gothic style during the late 15th century included the raising of the tower, the addition of the porch, a pair of transeptal chapels to the chancel, insertion of new windows and – judging by the similar stonework and the position of the old roofline – partial rebuilding of the chancel in dolomitic limestone.

The porch

The porch is unusual in that it was originally two storied, with the upper section being lit with an oriel window, now party restored, beneath which there is a highly weathered family crest whose details are now barely discernible.

A detail of the oriel and family crest to the porch

The pattern of the 15th century windows is different to that seen in the 14th century windows of the aisles and clerestory, being generally much larger with multiple lights and often with square heads. In addition, the tracery is simple and although most of this has been restored, the original profiles have been faithfully reproduced.

A Perpendicular Gothic style window in the south chapel

In the south and east walls of the chancel, there are large sections of yellow/brown sandstone ashlar, which has been much more finely cut and squared than the adjoining limestone. Although not closely examined, its general appearance suggests it is younger and requires further investigation, especially since these walls coincide with areas of masonry that are described on the plan in the guide book as possibly being pre-Conquest in age.

The east elevation of the chancel