St Mary, Ickleton

St Mary's was already celebrated for its Norman nave, but repairs after a fire in 1979 revealed an astonishingly complete set of early wall paintings on the north and east nave walls.

The exterior of this cruciform and aisled church is itself very attractive, sitting prominently in a lovely churchyard, the tower topped by a broached lead spire. But none of this prepares one for the interior. The 11th Century nave is narrow and tall, its Norman clerestory intact, but it is the arcade that makes an immediate impression: this comprises simple, unmoulded round arches, resting on cushion capital and slender columns - some of them reused Roman work. There is a narrow north aisle and a broad, possibly 14th Century south aisle. The west arch of the tower is also Norman up to the tops of the capitals, but the rest of the tower seems to be of c.1300, though the tower was heightened in 1340. The transepts are also 14th century work along with the upper clerestory. The chancel, though much restored, is 15th Century Perpendicular. 

The wall paintings on the north arcade date from late 12th Century and reminded me, in their use of simple colours - red, black and white - of those from the Lewes school in Sussex. They depict scenes from the Passion: the Last Supper (with Judas stealing a fish from the table); the betrayal and arrest of Jesus;  his whipping and, in the last scene, him carrying the Cross to His crucifixion. In the spandrels are scenes of the martyrdoms of St Peter, St Andrew and St Lawrence (or possibly St John). The wall paintings above the east nave wall are later, possibly 14th Century, and show the remnants of a Doom. Visible is Christ in Judgement, attended by angels and the Virgin, bearing her breasts in supplication - a rare and unusual motif.

The church also has some interesting furnishings: several mediaeval poppyheads survive on its benches, one depicting St Michael weighing souls, another of an angel with Tudor roses, one with two kissing fowls and another with a curled dragon. The benches themselves are decorated with fleuron friezes, but the subjects also include a man, a bird and the head of a horse with harness. The chancel screen is original 15th century work, and retains traces of colour.

The parish is part of a combined benefice with Duxford, Hinxton and Whittlesford (known locally as "Hinkledux"): the schedule of services and other events can be found on its website. Ickleton also hosts regular coffee mornings and other events. It is normally open during daylight hours for visitors and private prayer.

St Mary, Church Street, Ickleton CB10 1SL