Gillingham, Twydall: Holy Trinity
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 798 670
This distinctive 1960’s church stands at a crossroads at the junction of Waltham Road and Twydall Green in the middle of Twydall housing estate in Gillingham. The church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1966, designed by Arthur Bailey to serve the new estate of which it forms the visual and geographic focus, superseding a 1950s hall which still stands to the west of it. He also designed the furnishings and fittings. The work was part funded by the ICBS. This striking and for the time progressive design reflects Bailey’s interest in contemporary church design, with clear Scandinavian / Finnish influences. The main features are the two colliding pyramids, with the taller rearing above like a cliff face, the bell hung from the apex.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
The worship space is square with canted corners. Long vestry block coming off the west.
Dimensions:
Nave 19m square.
Footprint of Church buildings: 578 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Palaeolithic and Neolithic tools have been found in the area of the old village north of the railway line. Twydall was a manor, part of Gillingham which is mentioned in Domesday Book as part of the Archbishop of Canterbury's possessions, which it remained till Queen Elizabeth I appropriated and sold parts of it. Twydall remained a small farming and fishing community until the 20th century, with a few scattered farms and houses. The archaeological potential of the site is low, but the County Archaeologist and Historic Environment Record should be consulted if development of the site is considered.
The church of the Holy Trinity was built in 1966, designed by Arthur Bailey to serve the new estate of which it forms the visual and geographic focus, superseding a 1950s hall which still stands to the west of it. He also designed the furnishings and fittings. The work was part funded by the ICBS, who were initially critical, to which Bailey replied; "I had not expected that it would satisfy all the numerous divergent views on church architecture, but it is... a sincere effort to meet the growing wish for the congregation to be brought nearer the altar". It is almost unchanged since, other than some furnishings. The church recieved a Civic Trust Commendation in 1968 for the contribution it makes to the local scene.
Exterior Description
This striking and progressive design reflects Bailey's interest in contemporary church design, with clear Scandinavian / Finnish influences. The main features are the two colliding pyramids, with the taller rearing above like a cliff face, the bell hung from the apex. Slit clearstorey widening along the gable to the peak with coloured glass panes. The walls have plain rectangular windows at low level. A low wall around the base is articulated with slanting coping and attractice stepped brickwork patterns, with rearing walls flanking the main entrance.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
20th century The worship space is square with canted corners, 19m square.
Vestry
20th century Long vestry block coming off the west.
Building Materials
Brick
20th century stock brick
Concrete
20th century concrete and steel frame
Steel
20th century concrete and steel frame
Shingle
20th century roofs covered with cedar shingle
Interior
Interior Description
Moving inside through a shallow vestibule, the interior is a complete design by the architect from the lamps to the font, with details of quality. The theme of the square floorplan with canted corners to give a more 'in the round' feel is taken up by the raked fixed angels of the benches, of African hardwood and designed by the architect. The pedestal altar is placed forward of the east wall with space for a retro-chapel behind. The electronic organ looms above on a cantilevered mounting. Both the altar itself and the oval font are of a special speckled white concrete mix. The roof is panelled.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 798 670
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
Showing 10 entries of 10 View All
Quinquennial Inspections
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.