Weight: 140 lbs Diameter: 18" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by John Warner & Sons 1871
Dove Bell ID: 50956 Tower ID: 18303 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bettiscombe: St Stephen
Diocese of Salisbury
Church, 634073
http://www.goldencapteamofchurches.org.uk/bettiscombe.htmlOverview
Grid reference: SY 399 999
The church was rebuilt in 1862 by J. Hicks who re-used some mediaeval details. The extent of the rebuilding appears to be very thorough but is difficult to determine precisely. It is likely that the present building represents a fairly accurate reproduction of the former church rather than an entirely unconnected new building. It is probable that the church follows the mediaeval ground plan except for the vestry north of the chancel.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
West tower, three-bay nave with north aisle and south porch. Chancel with vestry to the north.
Footprint of Church buildings: 188 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was rebuilt in 1862 by J. Hicks who re-used some mediaeval details. The extent of the rebuilding appears to be very thorough but is difficult to determine precisely. It is likely that the present building represents a fairly accurate reproduction of the former church rather than an entirely unconnected new building. It is probable that the church follows the mediaeval ground plan except for the vestry north of the chancel.
Exterior Description
The tower is a typical instance of the point that often, in Dorset, towers were retained in 19th century rebuilding, and this at first appears to be the-case here. The tower is of two stages separated by a string course two thirds of the way up. The lower part has a three-light window with tracery in a two-centred head under a dripstone, and is claimed as mediaeval by the RCHM survey of the church, but it is very fresh-cut even now, and would more likely be a copy of the former window which no doubt followed the same pattern. Above this is a small lancet with a cusped head. The belfry openings have the stone lattices so often seen in the West Country, and are of two lights. The parapet is embattled and there is a gargoyle at each corner.
The north aisle is gabled, and is banded with grey limestone at intervals among the flint facing. This is 19th century, but the water-spout in the shape of a lion's head between the nave and the aisle is re-used mediaeval work. The west wall has a two-light window and a small blocked lancet to ventilate the roof-space above. There are three 19th century windows in the north wall and decorative stone crosses on all the gables. The vestry is a small gabled projection at the east end, and almost gives the impression of a chancel. It too has a two-light window and there is another in the north wall of the chancel.
The chancel has angle-buttresses and the threelight east window has heads carved at the label-stops, a king and a queen. There is a Celtic cross on the gable. The south wall of the chancel has two two-light windows and there are two more in the nave wall each side of the south porch.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
c.1851
The north-east shows the three Marys meeting the angel at the Sepulchre, and the inscription indicates that it is a memorial to the Revd. James Woodward Scott, Rector, d.1851.
Stained Glass
1864
The east window: the artist of this strident but memorable Crucifixion is difficult to identify. It is of three tall principal lights showing the two thieves in the side lights and a great concourse of soldiers and onlookers in addition to the group of Our Lady being comforted by St. John, St. Mary Magdalene and the centurion. A large and rather showy brass inscription plate below reads 'To the Glory of God this window is humbly dedicated by John Tatchell Bullen of Marshwood Manor A.D.1864'. Vivid and dramatic, with bright blues, greens and reds, this is the most notable of the windows in the church.
Stained Glass
c. 1883
The chancel south-west window commemorates Frances Scott, d.1883, the widow of the Revd. J.W. Scott. The subject is The Annunciation.
Stained Glass
c.1910
The west window (that is, in the tower) is of three lights with the Sea of Galilee and a stormy sky in the background. In the centre light Our Lord with his hand raised in blessing; Our Lord saving St. Peter after his attempt to walk on the water, and the Lord bidding the Apostles to cast their nets. A brass inscription plate records that it is a memorialto John Tatchell Bullen of Marshwood Manor d.1910.
Building Materials
Chert
1862
Boyne Hollow Chert
Ham Hill Stone
1862
Ham Hill Stone
Interior
Interior Description
The walls are whitened, but do little to remove the darkness created by the roof. The floor of the nave is flagged, and the north arcade looks mediaeval, as does the chancel arch. The arcade is of three bays, with attached columns and chamfered sides to the piers. These stand oddly on their plinths, the bases of the columns swelling over into a bulbous projection instead of having moulded bases. The arches are simply moulded. The roof is carried on foliated corbels and the aisle roof is a smaller version of the same.
The west arch opens into the tower and has no supporting columns, the mouldings of the arch dying into the walls. The floor is steeply stepped as if to accommodate a choir or perhaps a family pew, but all seating has been removed. The organ stands at the east end of the north aisle, and the pulpit and lectern are each side of the chancel arch.
Beyond this, the chancel is roofed in two bays, again with a dark and steeply pitched roof. The chancel floor is of red, black and yellow quarries and in the sanctuary is of encaustic tiles. The altar is flanked by curtains hanging on riddalls each side; the stalls on each side are divided into three seats, and the vestry door is on the north side.
Fixtures and fittings
Organ (object)
The Organ restored by Osmond of Taunton is a small chamber instrument in a 19th century castellated case by an unknown maker. There are three speaking stops for the single manual.
Font (object)
The font is octagonal and of stone, the bowl, supported by a central octagonal column and four colonettes of marble (possibly Purbeck). The side of the bowl have cusped panels with emblems, such as a lily, Star of David, IHS.
Pulpit
The pulpit is also of stone and is quite good, formed of four sides of an octagon, each with a central quatrefoil enclosing a lively representation of the symbols of the four Evangelists. Traceried patterns are above and below.
Lectern
The lectern is a wooden eagle with a certain amount of spirit, the head turned vigorously to the left, and is well-carved.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: SY 399 999
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
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