Bevendean: Holy Nativity
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 339 65
This is a low brick church set within a winding complex of streets in a contemporary housing estate on low hills to the east of Brighton. The church was built in 1963 to a design by Reginald Melhuish of Horsham, the building contractor Keith Andrew of Worthing. It is formed of a single room divided internally into chancel, nave and baptistery, projecting west vestibule.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Single room divided internally into chancel, nave and baptistery, projecting west vestibule. There is an “aisle” under the shorter wing of the roof, containing various rooms, a chapel, vestry etc.
Dimensions:
Room estimated to be c 14m (45ft) x 13m (42ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
Moulsecoomb is a 20-century residential development, and Bevendean its eastern outlier, filling in between Brighton and Falmer hill. The church was built in 1963 to a design by Reginald Melhuish of Horsham, the building contractor Keith Andrew of Worthing. The church is a successor of the “Barn church”, a 16th-century barn which was used for worship until the construction of this church. The barn was demolished in 1972.
Exterior Description
The church is a typical 1960’s design, its main design feature the monopitch “Butterfly” roof, asymmetrical with valley. The south wall has a row of long rectangular windows.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
20th century in one room
Chancel
20th century in one room
Baptistery
20th century in one room
Aisle
20th century smaller side of building
Chapel (component)
20th century in the 'aisle' structure
Building Materials
Brick
20th century cladding
Concrete
20th century walls
Steel
20th century structure
Asphalt
20th century roof
Interior
Interior Description
Moving inside, the interior is a surprise, carefully designed and with some interesting furnishings and fittings. The sloping ceiling is strangely unsettling at first. The glass in the south wall is of various colours, the most attractive a translucent deep blue, apparently Belgian glass. The nave had fixed benches, quite plain, brought from a redundant church. The most striking features are the altar and the bronze crucifix mounted on the wall behind, which is of crushed flint, an interesting surface. In the north-west corner is the baptistery. There are Stations of the Cross along the brick side walls, of iron plaques.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th century Concrete and iron, by John Skelton.
Reredos
20th century Cast bronze crucifix figure by John Skelton.
Lectern
20th century Iron.
Font (component)
20th century Wrought iron and copper font by John Skelton. Also octagonal stone font, the bowl supported on moulded corbels, 19th-century or early 20th, from Barn church, kept in porch.
Stained Glass (window)
20th century Not stained, just coloured.
Organ (component)
20th century Electronic organ and piano.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 339 65
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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