Church of St Mary and St Christopher, Panfield, Essex

SS. MARY AND CHRISTOPHER, PANFIELD, ESSEX — This small church, containing merely nave and chancel, and holding about one hundred people, with a modern east end without any windows in it, is about to be repaired and rearranged by Mr. Withers. A new aisle is added to the north of the chancel, with a square -headed window of three lights and tracery in the head, and a Perpendicular window of five cinq-foiled lights, super-foliated, is inserted in the east end, with a reredos of five panels (of which the middle one has a floriated cross in relief,) below it. The arrangements are good, and the woodwork simple but satisfactory. The chancel-arch receives a low screen and gates, and we are only sorry that the reader’s stall on the south side, is so much larger and deeper than the rest that it interrupts the subselke. But, perhaps, this arrangement may be unavoidable in the present case. [Ecclesiologist June 1858 Vol XVI Page 202-203]

PANFIELD (ESSEX).—The parish church of Panfield, the nave of which has lately been re-seated, at the expense of the rector, is about being still further restored and enlarged by the same liberal hand. The works In progress comprise the external restoration of the nave, new east window of five lights, new fittings to chancel, and new chancel aisle for school-children. The east window will be filled with cartoon glass, by Lavers. Messrs. Evans, Brothers, of London, are the contractors for the work; from designs by Mr. Withers, architect. The carving will be by Mr H. Earp. [Builder 24 April 1858 page 280]

No 318 and 320. A picturesque old church at Panfield, Essex, to which some additions have lately been made by Mr R J Withers. The interior of the chancel is prettily decorated. [Building News 8 April 1859 page 331 – Architectural Exhibition]

Reference    Builder 24 April 1858 page 280
Reference    Ecclesiologist June 1858 Page 202-203 – Church Restorations
Reference    Building News 8 April 1859 page 331 – Architectural Exhibition