Diameter: 14.63" Bell 1 of 2
Founded by Adebert 1742
Dove Bell ID: 52793 Tower ID: 19414 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Cowes: St Faith
Overview
Grid reference: SZ 495 951
The church was built in 1925-6, replacing the now adjacent plain brick Mission Church erected in 1909. The original plan for a replacement to a very grand design by J Standen Atkins (dated 1911) had been for a large neo-Gothic stone church with tower, the funds for which could not be raised, and the proposal was dropped for some years. The influence of Voysey on the architect of this small church is quite clear, most obviously expressed by the sloping buttresses which are in fact the pre-cast trusses forming the roof structure, and by the catslide roofs continuing without break over the porch, vestry and organ chamber.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
3-bay nave with short polygonal chancel, south porch, south vestry, north organ chamber, west lobby.
Dimensions:
Nave 18m (60ft) x 5m (16ft).
Footprint of Church buildings: 261 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Cowes is a historic port, but this area is a suburb developed in the early 20th century on the west bank of the river as the town benefitted from the upsurge in tourism following patronage of the Isle of Wight by King George IV and Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and the subsequent boom in boat building and pleasure sailing.
The church was built in 1925-6, replacing the now adjacent plain brick Mission Church erected in 1909. It has a short polygonal chancel with small lancets the same size as those in the west end of the Mission church. The nave windows were said to have been blown out during WWII when the neighbouring boatyard was attacked. The church was listed Grade II in 1979 following an application from the Concrete Society. A lobby was added to the west end in recent years.
Archaeological remains are not expected on this site.
Exterior Description
The influence of Voysey on the architect of this small church is quite clear, most obviously expressed by the sloping buttresses which are in fact the pre-cast trusses forming the roof structure, and by the catslide roofs continuing without break over the porch, vestry and organ chamber. It is also clear from the Free Gothic tracery to the three 2-light pointed windows of the west facade (partly blocked by the later lobby) and the square headed 3-lights to each nave bay. Lancets to the chancel. The building is thickly coated in render and pebble-dashed, except for the west facade which is whitewashed.
The gabled west belcote contains two bells, the ropes dangle down the west wall.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1912
Two chancel apse windows by George Bagueley & Co of Newcastle. Thought to have originally been made for the west windows of the previous mission church.
Nave
20th century 3-bay
Chancel
20th century short polygonal chancel
Porch
20th century south
Vestry
20th century south
Building Materials
Concrete
20th century pre-cast concrete and concrete tiles
Brick
20th century
Asphalt
20th century roof to vestry
Steel
20th century Crittal steel windows
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is dominated by the trusses which form a series of pointed arches. The windows are mostly filled with frosted green Cathedral glass, giving the whitewashed interior an other-worldly glow.
There is stained glass by George Baguley & Co of Newcastle in the two chancel apse windows dated 1912, and a 2-manual pipe organ by Bishop & Sons of Ipswich of 1909. Free standing plain benches, simple octagonal stone font, all these things from the Mission Church. Boarded floors.
Fixtures and fittings
Organ (object)
1909
2-manual pipe organ by Bishop & sons of Ipswich
Bells
Bell 2 of 2
Dove Bell ID: 52794 Tower ID: 19414 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SZ 495 951
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Sources
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