More information : (TF 68363993) Chapel (NR) (remains of) (NAT) (1)
The only visible remains of Ringstead Parva or Barret Ringstead are
the ruins of the early 14th century Church or Chapel of St Andrew,
listed as grade 1 by HHR, and Blomefield writes; about 1526 "it is
called the church or free chapel of Ringstead Parva" (4).
The village - which was probably centred TF 68483993 (5) - was
mentioned in 1316. It was severely reduced by the Black Death and by
1805 only one farmhouse remained (2)
When the site was deeply ploughed on the slopes below and around the
chapel, the outline of narrow streets flanked by chalk footings were
observed by C H Lewton-Brain. Vast quantities of sea shells were
unearthed with a concentration of oyster shells near the chapel.
At the east end of the field near the road, a number of skeletons
were found possibly a plague pit, as they were jumbled up together.
Medieval potsherds and a wheelhead Saxon cross were also found, now
in Norwich Castle Museum together with a child's stone coffin
previously dug up near the chapel. (3,6,7)
The village area is situated on a south east facing slope in rolling
arable land, now ploughed, circa 30.0m above OD. Perambulation
revealed a single Romano-British grey ware rim and a scatter of shells. No footings or bones were visible. The four walls of the
chapel still stand, see ground photographs. OS air photographs are
not available for the area. Survey revised at 1:2500 on CR paper
copy. (8)
Chapel of St Andrew. Ruins of the Church of St Andrew, 500m west of Barret Ringstead Farmhouse. C13 and C14 evidence. Grade II*. (See DoE list for details). (9)
The church or chapel is possibly the chancel of a larger church. It was probably abandoned in the mid 14th century, but continued as a chapel until the 16th century. It was converted to a barn in the 17th century. (10) |