Nominal: 740 Hz Weight: 1190 lbs Diameter: 41.38" Bell 1 of 5
Founded by Alfred Bowell 1905
Dove Bell ID: 6368 Tower ID: 14643 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Stevington: St Mary the Virgin
Diocese of St.Albans
Church, 632390
http://www.chellingtonteam.org.ukOverview
Grid reference: SP 990 536
The significance of the Parish Church of St Mary is principally expressed by its high architectural and historic interest, recognized by its Grade I listing designation on the National Heritage List for England (NHLE). The church is built upon an earlier Saxon church, of which the tower remains, and the church was largely rebuilt in the early fourteenth century. The church contains many monuments and memorials with the floor slab and brass of Thomas Salle (d.1422) and a fine nave roof with figureheads bearing the initials of two merchants that funded its restoration. The church underwent several periods of restoration most notably in the late nineteenth century under Henry Clutton. The church is located to the north of the village of Stevington, beside the River Great Ouse. The church was closely associated to Harrold Priory (now disestablished following the Dissolution). Between 2018 and 2023 the church was part of the Bats in Churches project. The church shelters three bat species: Natterer's, Brown long-eared and pipistrelles. The church community lives harmoniously alongside their bats.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 325 m²
Exterior Description
The Parish of Church of St Mary Stevington, is of Saxon origins with the earliest surviving fabric being the Saxon tower below belfry level. The first literary reference to a church at Stevington is of the incumbent, a certain Edrico in 1138-47. Shortly after the death of Edrico the church was gifted to the nuns of Harrold Priory. Stevington’s link with the Priory lasted until the Dissolution of the monasteries in 1541. The church underwent redevelopment in the 1320’s however it is likely construction began earlier. Within this period the chancel, side chapels, north and south aisles were constructed. The side chapels (now in a ruinous state) would have been for wealthy patrons. The clerestory is a late fifteenth addition and contemporary with the roof. Figure heads upon the beams of the roof are angels, two of whom commemorate the Taylors. The Taylors were wool merchants who financed the new roof; their initials are present under the woolsacks on the shields held by the figures, as seen by Nicholas (NT) and Robert (RT). At the time of the Dissolution, the church was valued at £12 13s 4d when it became property of the crown, and the financial status of Harrold Priory was likely much reduced. Post reformation the church passed in ownership from the crown to the Dyves family and then to the Duchess of Marlborough in 1738.
Interior
Interior Description
Various repairs were made to the church in the seventeenth century, including the north chapel and seating within the north aisle. The roofs to both aisles were repaired in 1630 and the windows to the south aisle were repaired in 1657-8. In 1665 the chancel chapels were recorded as being open to the sky and the chapels were abandoned from this point onwards. It was recorded that in 1826 the oak rood screen was dismantled, and the parts used to provide screened areas in the north and south aisles. This shows a change in fashions and ideology, the physical and ideological separation of clergy from the congregation being no longer popular. The rood screen does not survive today. 10 Figure 2: Saxon tower. Historic England (1968) The church was restored in 1871 under the guidance of Henry Clutton. At this time the roof of the chancel was replaced, as were the roofs over the north and south aisles. The nave roof was restored to its original state and the restoration works were completed in 1872. The Victorian restoration also included the addition of new seats within the chancel and nave. Additionally, almost the entirety of the fenestration was restored in clear glass. The side chapels were not restored however battlements were added to the north where there were none before. In 1913-14 the churchyard was extended and electric lighting was installed within the church in 1946-7. The church contains several monuments and memorials including the tomb of Thomas Salle (d.1422) and at the west of the nave is the Parish Chest. This is a fifteenth century chest of iron strapping which historically held all the documents relating to the Parish and the Church. The font by the south door dates mostly from 1872, however, it sits upon thirteenth century capitals. Also within the north aisle is the organ which was originally from Chesterfield (c.1915) and moved to Stevington in 1967. Sixteenth century poppyheads are found on the front benches within the nave and figures include a priest, dog, boar, two people reclining and two drinking from a cup.
Bells
Nominal: 1120 Hz Weight: 588 lbs Diameter: 30.63" Bell 2 of 5
Founded by James Barwell 1872
Dove Bell ID: 40562 Tower ID: 14643 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 996 Hz Weight: 700 lbs Diameter: 32.38" Bell 3 of 5
Founded by John Hodson 1654
Dove Bell ID: 40563 Tower ID: 14643 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Nominal: 928 Hz Weight: 840 lbs Diameter: 33.75" Bell 4 of 5
Founded by Alfred Bowell 1905
Dove Bell ID: 40564 Tower ID: 14643 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 827 Hz Weight: 980 lbs Diameter: 37.5" Bell 5 of 5
Founded by Alfred Bowell 1905
Dove Bell ID: 40565 Tower ID: 14643 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SP 990 536
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
Quinquennial Inspections
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