The chancel
This is the only extension to the original building of 1170. It was added in the 13th century because of growing belief in transubstantiation. Many churches had larger chancels built then, to allow space for more elaborate ceremonial expressing reverence for the Sacrament.
It is in early Gothic (Early English) style with simple pointed arches and slender pillars alongside the windows. This gives a feeling of light airiness contrasting with the massive solidity of the rest of the church.
Set into the wall are the sedilia (see photograph on right), three seats for the priest, deacon and sub-deacon at Mass. These were added about forty years later — their style is more elaborate than that of the windows. The two alcoves alongside them are a piscina, for washing communion vessels, and an aumbry, where they are kept.
The reredos, more elaborate still, is an attempt by the 19th century restorers to embody their idea of perfect medievalism in precisely tooled arcading.