St Giles, Great Maplestead, Essex
St Giles church in Great Maplestead was built in the 12th century with major additions in 13th and 14th centuries.
In the 16th century, the Deane family, who lived in nearby Dynes Hall, added a small south chapel in the church. It holds their monuments. The most splendid monument in the Deane chapel is to Anne Drury wife of Sir John Drury. Anne is carved in her shroud and the tomb commemorates her many qualities. Her son, Sir Dru Deane erected this monument in her honour and he lies ‘prostrate at her feete’. (Sir Dru was married twice, but did not feel the urge to erect monuments to either of his wives. One suspects Sir Dru never really cut the umbilical cord.)
There are three compass designs, one is incomplete and small, but the other two are mostly complete and of substantial size. There are also several Marian marks scattered around the church. There is also an auseklis cross and a pentagram on one column.
St Giles
Church Street
Great Maplestead
C09 2RG
The church is usually open during daylight hours.
Search terms: Daisy wheel (compass drawn), Daisy wheel (compass drawn) (incomplete), Marian mark, M, Marian mark, W, other marks, T, auseklis cross, Pentagram, M, IC, IS, I, Grid and saltire, Merel, alquerque type, Merel, three men’s morris type, Mason’s mark, script, TC, 171, cross hatching, EM, dot patterns, IG, FM, Face, CS, Shield, grid, possible boat, cross heart, acorn, star, TC, 1716,AW, C, G, CM, AD, B, D, unidentified marks, FB, H, K, 1666, TC, 1711, WAS 1924, 1720, JAC, 1941, AVRIL, DI, MC, BO, RB 1705, 1700s, 1710s, 1600s, 1660s, 192Os, 1720s, 1900s, 1940s