St Margaret’s, Burnham Norton
Open daily dawn to dusk.St Margaret's Church is one of the six Burnham churches, which take their name from the River Burn. The church is situated on a hilltop half a mile from the village of Burnham Market and a mile from the sea. It boasts an imposing round Norman tower. The nave and aisles are Perpendicular. 'Y' window traceries of around 1300 are located at the west ends of the aisles. St Margaret of Antioch and St Margaret of Scotland stand watch over the chancel from their square headed window. Rich dappled pink and purple colours are set against white flowers and a pastel background to create a striking modern composition. A restoration of the 19th century saw the seating organised behind screens to keep it separate from the aisles and the west end of the nave. The square Norman nave sits isolated. Take a close look at the 15th century hexagonal wineglass pulpit with painted panels featuring the Four Latin Doctors and two donors. Notice the royal arms of William III and George IV, and the wafer oven to the left of the north door. Richard Woodget, captain of the Cutty Sark, is buried in the churchyard.
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