The North Aisle

Returning to the 16th century, masons began the construction of the north aisle.

It was constructed from red sandstone with timber framed gable ends, as was nearby Stoke St, Michael's. Both would lose their timbered gables during the later restorations.

On the exterior wall of the north aisle is a geometrical pattern which probably dates to the time of its construction. It contains a circle one foot across, within the circle is a flower shaped pattern formed by the use of a geometric instrument. It is certainly not a masons mark as it bears no resemblance at all to the pattern used by masons. At a guess, the circle could symbolize eternity or eternal, and the flower shape could represent the Lily which is the symbol of the Virgin Mary, after whom the church is named. This could, in fact in modern terms, mean 'The Virgin Forever'.