4. Church of Our Lady, Warnford

The Church of Our Lady is of Saxon origin, and, unusually, has two important descriptions, which tell us that Wilfred founded the church, and Adam de Port renovated it (photo of inscription). The square Norman tower with its unusual circular bell openings was built about 1130 (photo of tower), and the nave around 1190.

There is a circular Saxon sundial in the south porch (photo of sundial), above one of the inscriptions. Outside the porch are traces of scratch dials, a primitive form of sundial to regulate service times.

Inside, the Neale tombs can be found on the east wall (both were Exchequer officials under Elizabeth I and James I). Woodwork in this church ranges from the 13th to 18th centuries and includes a medieval screen now used as panelling in the chancel.

East of the church are the remains of King John's House, a rare surviving 13th century aisled hall built of flint with stone dressings. The hall was rectangular with three bays defined by slender circular columns and half-columns. There was probably a cellar (with solar above?) at the west end. The building was already in ruins by 1610, but was consolidated in the mid-18th century as a feature in Capability Brown's new park and pleasure grounds.