St. John the Baptist, Gt.Clacton
GREAT CLACTON (St. John the Baptist) was originally a Norman church, but was spoilt by Hakewill in 1865 as both the ouside and inside of the east front, and all the windows show. The original Norman church would have been impressive in size, and as the chancel arch proves, it would have been of tall and wide proportions. The broad flat outer buttresses indicate that there was an original intention to vault, and the windows which are of an unsual size tend to confirm the theory. The south doorway has two orders of columns, and two roll-mouldings on the arch, which have all been renewed. The north doorway is of a similar design, but two of the columns are decorated with carved diaper (star) and spiral motifs. The chancel was rebuilt in the 14th. century, and in the 15th century the west tower was rebuilt, replacing a belfrey, of which the tie-beams have been kept. The west tower has angle buttresses and a three-light west window. The tower was not completed, but later a weatherboarded upper storey was added, which has a thin early 19th. century parapet, with battlements, and a pyramid roof.
The Font is 15th. century octagonal, with three seated figures and two angels holdings, but has been defaced.
