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The thatched church of St Andrew's was built almost entirely in the
14th century replacing one on this site that was mentioned in the
Domesday Book. Dowsing ran
riot here in 1643 destroyed 24 superstitious pictures, one
crucifix and picture of christ and 12 angels on the roof.
The 12th century round tower of St Andrew's is unique in the county
in that it is separate from the main body of the church. The tower
is 43 feet high with walls up to 4 foot 6 inches thick and houses
5 bells the earliest dating from around 1440.
The
most important monument is one to Sir Arthur Coke sometime Lord Chief
Justice who died in 1629 and his wife elizabeth. Arthur is kneeling
resplendent in full armour, while Elizabeth is lying on her bed with
a baby in her arms. This monument is the work of Nicholas Stone the
most important English mason and sculptor of his day. The Cokes at
one time occupied Bramfield Hall and another family in residence
for 300 years were the Rabetts, whose coat of arms in the church
punningly
depicts rabbits on its shield.
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