Not As Old As It Looks

St Nicholas, Rattlesden, Suffolk




Rood screen were common in medieval churches and were accessed by stairs of various shapes and sizes. Most of these and indeed most of the screen have long since gone but this on is Rattlesden remains along with evidence of its wooden staircase connecting the top of the parclose screen with the rood.. All though is not what it at first seems. The rood and parclose screen is only just under 100 years old having been designed and constructed in 1916 by G H Fellowes Prynne. The idea was to reconstruct a rood screen to give an idea of what its medieval equivalent would have looked like.


Many feel that this was Fellowes Prynne's most important wooden screen. It is constructed of oak, and is finely carved with great detailing.  The base of the screen echoes a mediaeval fragment seen elsewhere in the church, and it contains carvings of the instruments of the Passion, as well as the “IHS” symbol for Christ's name, and the XP monogram.

Below you can see the full screen complete with its rood ( figure of Christ on the cross and flanking figures).



Rattlesden church is open every day with plenty of nearby parking and easy access.