Ruins of the Church of St John the Baptist

Ruins of the Church of St John the Baptist. . In front, is the ancient choir of St. John's Church, cut off from the rest of the chancel when the east wall was built in 1581. Here, services were sung and celebrated for 450 years., In the Middle Ages the Choir was just as impressive as the interior of the church today. Massive round pillars with circular arches above ran down each side, continuing the Norman arcading which can still be seen inside the church. Their position is marked on the ground., You can still see the base of an original pillar which may have supported one of a pair of towers at the eastern end of the Norman church. Little is known about these towers which may have been demolished in the 14th century., The High Altar stood beneath the impressive Norman chancel arch. Behind, were the Lady Chapel and two side chapels. These were built in medieval times. You can see the differences in style between the round-headed Norman arch and the later Gothic pointed arches on either side., On both sides of the central chancel arch are stone arches or "blind arcading". These were part of the Norman decoration. They have been cut through by the remains of two staircases, added in the 16th century, when the Choir was demolished and the chapels were converted to living accommodation. The stairs led to upper floors.