Belstead

There are six entries for Belstead [variant spelling] in the Domesday survey [https://opendomesday.org/place/TM1241/belstead/] [accessed 1 April 2018]; one of the entries, in the lordship of Aelfric of Weinhou in 1066, and under Adelaide, Countess of Aumale in 1086, reports "1 church. 0.28 church lands"; two other entries report "0.3 church lands" in each. The font is described in East Anglian, Or, Notes and Queries on Subjects Connected with the Counties of Suffolk, Cambridge, Essex and Norfolk (3rd Series, 4th Year, p. 241): "The font, raised on one step, is now on the north side of the nave and is octagonal, Perpendicular in date, bearing on its sides four angels holding shields with these devices:-- (1) the Holy Trinity symbol; (2) two arrows crossed saltirewise, points downwards, ensigned with a crown, for St. Edmund; (3) two fish naiant in pale; (4) three mitres, the arms of the Norwich Diocese. The alternate panels are carved with conventional foliage. Four buttresses support the principal angles of the shaft, with lions sejant alternating." The font appears to be of the East Anglia Perpendicular octagonal type, with four angel demi-figures holding charged shields [cf. supra] alternating with Turdor roses on the basin sides; cherubs on the corners of the upper underbowl volume, and floral motifs on the sides of the lower volume; four seated lions looking outwards alternated with four buttresses on the stem; on a square plinth.