' The little church at Ranton
has stood there from the thirteenth century, as the architecture
of the west end and south-west doorway plainly testify. The church
and cell (or whatever you may call it) must clearly have been an
off-shoot from the Priory. But the room: for this is what is
principally worth seeing. The beam is richly moulded, and so is
the panelling throughout. It has a very well carved course of
panelling all round the top, and this is surmounted by an
elaborate cornice. The stone mantelpiece is remarkably fine and of
unusual character. But the most striking feature of the room is a
square-headed arched recess, or niche, with pierced spandrels.
What was its use? It is about the right height for a seat, and
what may have been the seat is there unaltered. Or was it a niche
containing a Calvary, or some figure? I confess I know nothing. Is
this a unique example? I cannot remember any other. But possibly
there may be others, equally hidden away, comparison with which
might unfold its secret. In this room, and in other parts of the
house, much of the old ironwork of hinges and door-fasteners
remains, and is simply excellent. The old oak sliding shutters are
still there, and two more fine stone mantelpieces; on one hearth
the original encaustic tiles with patterns, chiefly a Maltese
cross, and the oak cill surrounding them, are _in situ_.
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