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The nave is separated from the north aisle by a series of pillars, of
early 14th century date, and remodelled in a Perpendicular style. Two of the capitals have
been ornamented with quatrefoils and other geometrical designs. The roof beams here are
chiefly 19th century, although there are two which are certainly more ancient. There are
some splendid corbels, which include an owl, a bishop's head and grotesques.
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A series of marks and small holes can be seen on these
pillars, and it is reputed that they were made by Cromwell's soldiers
sharpening their swords during the English Civil war during the 17th Century.
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The font is round, standing on a central pillar and four smaller pillars.
It was in a very poor state of repair when Nichols described it, two centuries ago, and
the font has clearly undergone some restoration since. Whilst difficult to confirm its
age, the font is thought to be of the Norman period. In January 2004, it was
moved to the North side of the church by the main entrance.
This is the jug that is used to carry the water at Baptisms
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| The War Memorial Screen, listing those men from Broughton Astley killed in the First and Second World Wars, was dedicated in 1922. |  |
The pipe organ was made originally by Peter Conacher & Co, Huddersfield, (apparently in 1885), the organ first stood in what now is the Lady Chapel/north Chancel arch. In 1905, the organ was moved to the area now immediately before the communion rails in the north aisle, on the north wall, and the LadyChapel was added. In 1968, the organ was rebuilt by Cousans of Lincoln, when the pipes and case were placed above the tower arch screen, with a detached console at the east end of the nave, in front of the pulpit.
Unfortunately, the heating system installed in the tower arch in the early 1980s caused many problems for the instrument, and restoration soon became essential. The cost and long term maintenance, was simply too great a financial burden for the congregation and consequently, in 2000, the pipe organ was removed. The organ was subsequently rebuilt by Cousans Organ Builders and is now in Gray's United Reformed Church, Essex.
The organ's removal has once again opened up the tower arch to reveal an interesting double arch feature.
The pulpit dates from the 18th century, the Eagle Lectern dates from 1881.
John Throsby, writing in 1790, noted that St Mary's Church was 'well pewed, and kept clean'. Nichols, writing only a few years later, says that the church was 'handsomely pewed with oak'. However, when the church was restored in 1882, it was decided to replace these with the present pews made of pine.
Electric lighting was installed in 1927.
The oak blocks which make up the nave floor were laid in 1946.
Memorial to Sgt Alfred James Baum RAF, killed in Action over Westphalia on August 12th 1940
