Nominal: 564 Hz Weight: 2728 lbs Diameter: 52.75" Bell 1 of 9
Founded by William Cockey 1726
Dove Bell ID: 2737 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Gillingham: St Mary the Virgin
Diocese of Salisbury
Church, 634171
http://www.gillinghamanglican.co.ukOverview
Grid reference: ST 806 265
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 676 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
This church was constructed in three main phases. The chancel is from the first half of the fourteenth century, though the current sanctuary interior paving and exterior drainage arrangements were installed in 1907. The nave was designed by William Walker and was constructed in 1838-9 during the energetic incumbency of The Revd Henry Deane. The Chapel of St Catherine is, in some opinions, c 1840 and therefore replaces a fourteenth century structure.
The rest of the building is early twentieth century, comprising firstly the west tower by C.E. Ponting (1908-9). As part of the works to re-model the tower, a west gallery was removed between 1908 and 1910 and the west window and door constructed in 1911. Galleries over the north and south nave aisles were possibly removed at the same time. The marks of their front supports may be seen on the nave pillars. The second early twentieth century additions to the building were the vestry and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (given as a memorial to a member of the Cross family who was killed in the First World War) designed by W. D. Caröe (1921).
Exterior Description
This church was constructed in three main phases. The chancel is from the first half of the fourteenth century, though the current sanctuary interior paving and exterior drainage arrangements were installed in 1907. The nave was designed by William Walker and was constructed in 1838-9 during the energetic incumbency of The Revd Henry Deane. The Chapel of St Catherine is, in some opinions, c 1840 and therefore replaces a fourteenth century structure.
The rest of the building is early twentieth century, comprising firstly the west tower by C.E. Ponting (1908-9). As part of the works to re-model the tower, a west gallery was removed between 1908 and 1910 and the west window and door constructed in 1911. Galleries over the north and south nave aisles were possibly removed at the same time. The marks of their front supports may be seen on the nave pillars. The second early twentieth century additions to the building were the vestry and the Chapel of the Good Shepherd (given as a memorial to a member of the Cross family who was killed in the First World War) designed by W. D. Caröe (1921).
Building Materials
Limestone
14th Century
Marnhull Stone
Sand
14th Century
Upper Greensand
Slate
14th Century
Slate
Interior
Interior Description
Notable contents of the church include four historically interesting memorials. Firstly there is the Jesop memorial, with the two recumbent figures of brothers The Revd John Jesop (vicar) and his brother Dr Thomas Jesop (physician) dated 1625. Secondly there is a large (some 20 feet in height) memorial with a relief of the Three Graces to Frances Dirdoe dated 1724. Thirdly there is a smaller work by John Bastard and Co commemorating Sir Henry Dirdoe. Fourthly, there is a wall-mounted monument to Edward Read created by F. Lancashire and Co in 1779. These are all located in St Catherine’s Chapel, behind the current location of the organ.
There is a notable Royal Arms of James I, installed in 1616, currently surmounting the screen between the north nave aisle and St Catherine’s Chapel.
There are some medieval benches and bench ends incorporated into modern seating.
The Reredos – another First World War memorial – is designed by H. P. Burke Downing and carved by Nathaniel Hitch (1925-6).
Fixtures and fittings
Bell Frame
1726
Maker
Pickford
Date
1726
Visit
CD 10/75
Description
OFJ
Jurisdiction
Number of Bells
Material
Bells
Nominal: 1124 Hz Weight: 666 lbs Diameter: 31.63" Bell 2 of 9
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1898
Dove Bell ID: 21787 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1062 Hz Weight: 716 lbs Diameter: 32.5" Bell 3 of 9
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1898
Dove Bell ID: 21788 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 947 Hz Weight: 799 lbs Diameter: 34.5" Bell 4 of 9
Founded by William Cockey 1726
Dove Bell ID: 21789 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 843 Hz Weight: 839 lbs Diameter: 35" Bell 5 of 9
Founded by Gillett & Johnston 1909
Dove Bell ID: 21790 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 753 Hz Weight: 1162 lbs Diameter: 39.88" Bell 6 of 9
Founded by Thomas & James Bilbie 1794
Dove Bell ID: 21791 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 707 Hz Weight: 1247 lbs Diameter: 42" Bell 7 of 9
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1894
Dove Bell ID: 21792 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 631 Hz Weight: 1683 lbs Diameter: 46.63" Bell 8 of 9
Founded by John Kingston 1826
Dove Bell ID: 21793 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 72 lbs Diameter: 14.75" Bell 9 of 9
Founded by (unidentified)
Dove Bell ID: 21794 Tower ID: 15645 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: ST 806 265
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
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
Submit a change
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