St Margaret
Hardwick, Norfolk
On the lanes just south of Shelton, Hardwick's little church is a contrast to its elegant neighbour.
It was begun by Sir Ralph Shelton in the 1480s. The tower is earlier, from the beginning of the 15th century and is built of flint unlike the rest of the church which is of brick with stone dressings. From the outside the two storey porch, large aisle windows and glasshouse like clerestory are striking.
The interior is just as pleasing, with tall piers above which are canopied niches and stone panelling. In the chancel there are many monuments to Sheltons, including one to Sir Ralph but perhaps the most interesting is that to Sir Robert Houghton. It shows four kneeling figures under a canopy on which is painted a chilling skull and crossbones.
There is excellent early 16th century stained glass in the church, especially in the chancel, where the three east windows have panels that include figures of Sir John Shelton and his wife, Anne Boleyn (not that Anne Boleyn but actually a close relative). Sir Ralph and his wife are shown in the central window.
