Virtual Tour of St Mary's Church, Eaton Bray - Pages 13-14

The North Arcade

On the north side (left as you face the altar) we have "an Early English arcade of exquisite beauty" (Alec Clifton-Taylor).

The pillars are composed of eight circular shafts clustered around a central column, supporting capitals carved with interlaced leaves, from which spring lavishly moulded arches.

In a small church, it is almost too lavish and complex, worthy of a much larger building.

Notice how on alternate pillars the shafts are detached from and bonded to the central column, giving very subtle variations in light and shade.