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The building is cruciform that is to say it is in the shape of a cross. It was constructed between the years of 1200 and 1340, and predominantly belongs to the ‘Early English' period of Gothic Architecture, with two or possibly three exceptions. The tower was built nearly a hundred years later, and there was one major restoration started in 1868. The walls of the nave may once have formed part of an older building. The Victorian restoration includes the whole of the east end of the church, the east window and the two windows on either side of it, and the porch.
 A possible order of the construction of the Church is: firstly, the remaining Mediaeval part of the chancel with its pair of single light windows and Priest's door; then the adaptation or building of the nave, next the north transept; and finally the south transept. The two transepts would probably have originally been private family chapels; hence the smallness of the arches between them and the nave, and the existence of a door in one, and a blocked up doorway in the other. When the tower was added, the west wall of the nave was rebuilt to carry the extra weight. A fine feature to notice is the slender arch separating the tower from the nave. The Victorians loved to copy earlier forms of architecture, and it is perhaps fortunate that when the Church was restored ‘Early English' style was in favour. However the three east windows are more elaborate in detail than anything else in the Church, reminding us that even in Mediaeval times Berden was never a wealthy community.
Brasses
In the north transept there is a brass on a raised tomb, dated 1473, of William Turnor and his two wives, Margaret and Margery. Another brass, dated 1607, is in the chancel. Set in the floor of the north transept is a stone coffin lid, probably part of the tomb of a monk from Berden Priory.
Organ
This was built in about 1800 and has seven stops with tracker action. It has, alas, been added to over the years but not to the detriment of its original parts. It is alleged that it once belonged to S. S. Wesley, the Cathedral Organist and Composer, but there is no documentary evidence for this.
Panelling
In front of the organ console, and separating the north transept from the nave, is wooden panelling from the 16th or 17th century, which may have come from the neighbouring Berden Hall.
Pulpit
This also contains some fine panelling, being made from parts of a larger 17th century one which presumably once graced Berden Church.
Bells
The bell frame, described as ‘ancient'in 1916, finally had to be removed about twenty years ago. The bells were rehung for chiming only:
No. 1 (treble) by W. & P. Wrightman of London,1695
No 2 missing, presumed stolen.
No.3 possibly by J. Keen, 1631
No.4 by Robert Oldfield, 1613
No.5 by Thomas Newman of Cambridge, 1723 |
Saint Nics. Church 
