The Nave

A general view of the nave

The only part of the nave that can still be seen from the outside of St. Helen’s church is on the west elevation of the building – set between the old tower and the modern vestry.

Views of the nave at different times of the day

Reading various documentary sources, it is generally agreed that the date of the nave is 15^th century; furthermore, the west elevation appears to have been built in one phase, using long, large blocks of Rotherham Red sandstone - as previously seen in the clerestory.

Weathering details

Compared to the masonry of the tower, into which it is tied by 3 large blocks of similar sandstone, the courses are regular and finely tooled. Looking at the castellated parapets, they also appear to be consistent in style with the other roof level details seen around the church. 

A severely weathered head stop

A particularly unusual feature of the nave is its west door, which seems to run against all good principles of architectural design and - looking closely - this doorway is also constructed in a sandstone not seen before in the fabric of St. Helen's church.

An unknown sandstone