Nominal: 1304 Hz Weight: 437 lbs Diameter: 27.13" Bell 1 of 4
Founded by Gillett & Johnston 1932
Dove Bell ID: 53481 Tower ID: 19824 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
East Wickham: St Michael
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 468 768
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
A single cell building with a plain rectangular planform, the east end railed off as a sanctuary and raised by one step. Western bell—cote with diminutive broach spire and south porch now used as a vestry.
Dimensions:
55 x 18 feet
Description of Archaeology and History
An early 12th century foundation which has undergone several alterations and restorations through the years, the last major restoration work having been carried out by T.F. Ford in 1926-7.
Originally the body of the building must have been smaller for the north and south walls seem to have been extended westwards at some time during the 18th century. The porch was added in the early 19th century and the wood-framed belfry with its shingled spire was completedin 1897. At the same time the steeply pitched roof was reconstructed, the old tiles being laid on the north side only. In the north and east walls,certainamount of 12th century work remains.
Exterior Description
The building is 55 ft by 18 ft, with no architectural division between nave and chancel. The walls are faced externally with a mixture of chalk, flint and firestone
Interior
Interior Description
The interior has a barn-like appearance, on account of its boardad eeilingi prominent timber construction at the west end, and its single-cell plan. The plastered walls were whitened in 1844 and the 1926-7 restoration revealed an almost complete series of fine wallpaintings, which appear to date from the 13th century. They consist of a double row of scriptural subjects which originally extended, in all probability round the entire interior wall surface-of the church. Various subjects have been identified including the Three Kings, the Flight into Egypt, the Meeting of Elizabeth and the Virgin Mary, the Presentation of Christ in the Temple and St. Michael overcoming Satan. Further traces of colour can be discerned on the walls and on some of the old timbers. The 20th century restoration revealed, in addition, the lower part of a priests door of c.1200 set in the south wall; within or above the exposed area of this doorway are four stones which include the bell-shaped,Norman capital of a small door jamb, discovered in the north wall. On either side of the east window traces of lancets can be seen but the present window has 19th century Perpendicular tracery set in a 17th century square surround. The old altar Mensa engraved with five crosses was discovered in the sanctuary during the same restoration as the Communion Table. Several mediaeval glazed tiles survive re-set in the footpace.
Fixtures and fittings
Pulpit
17th Century
Rail
18th century balustrading with a modern rail.
Font (object)
Hexagonal, Decorated, with two ogeerended quatrefoils on each face.
Bells
Weight: 280 lbs Diameter: 22.5" Bell 2 of 4
Founded by Samuel Goslin 1897
Dove Bell ID: 65577 Tower ID: 19824 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 308 lbs Diameter: 23.13" Bell 3 of 4
Founded by John Hodson 1660
Dove Bell ID: 65578 Tower ID: 19824 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 448 lbs Diameter: 26" Bell 4 of 4
Founded by Unidentified (blank)
Dove Bell ID: 65579 Tower ID: 19824 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 468 768
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.
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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