Diameter: 20.5" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by Henry Clibury 1671
Dove Bell ID: 50908 Tower ID: 18274 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Benthall: St Bartholomew
Diocese of Hereford
Closed Church, 618452
http://www.broseleyparishes.org.uk/Overview
Grid reference: SJ 657 25
The existing church was built in 1667 and replaced an earlier church on this site which was damaged during the Civil War. A small vestry was built to the south of the chancel in 1887 and then in 1893 the south door of the nave was blocked and a new entrance and porch created at the west end. The chancel is noticeably shorter than the nave with a distinct and separate roof line. The turret bellcote at the west end of the nave is recently restored and has a neat timber frame with rectangular louvred openings surmounted by a pyramidal tiled roof.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
National Trust property
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and chancel, apsidal west porch with stair to gallery, south porch.
Dimensions:
Nave (not including porch) 12m x 6m. Chancel 6m x 4m.
Description of Archaeology and History
The existing church was built in 1667 and replaced an earlier church on this site which was damaged during the Civil War – some sources suggesting it was burned to the ground although a wedding was recorded as taking place between the end of the war and the rebuilding. The earlier church had the unusual dedication of St Brice but little remains or is known about this structure although it would seem likely that at least some elements were reincorporated into the new building of St Bartholomew.
The nave, chancel and west bell turret comprised the 1667 rebuild. Pevsner records that the west gallery was coeval and an inscription on the gallery front records the rebuilding in 1667 and the churchwardens in post at the time although one wonders whether it was perhaps a slightly later addition.
It was not until the end of the 19th century that any structural changes were made. Firstly a small vestry was built to the south of the chancel in 1887 and then in 1893 the south door of the nave was blocked and a new entrance and porch created at the west end. The porch included an apsidal end enclosing a new stair to the gallery, presumably replacing an internal staircase of which no evidence remains.
Exterior Description
St Bartholomew’s church is a small rather humble building which sits quietly in deference to the grander Hall behind it. The church is tucked into the corner of the churchyard with the north side abutting the boundary of the hall garden. As a result the southern and eastern elevations are the only easily visible elements of the building.
It is easy to see that the original rebuild in 1667 would have presented a simpler, less fussy exterior. The nave, chancel and bell turret although rather austere and whitewashed, now seem suffocated by the brick 19th-century additions.
The chancel is noticeably shorter than the nave with a distinct and separate roof line. The turret bellcote at the west end of the nave is recently restored and has a neat timber frame with rectangular louvred openings surmounted by a pyramidal tiled roof. The fenestration in the nave is minimal and all with segmental arched heads.
The brick vestry to the south of the chancel wraps around the junction to the nave by a foot or more. The tiled roof blends with the chancel and has a hipped end to the east and a catslide appearance from the south.
At the west end of the church is the apse, which has decorative brick work and a lancet light to the stairwell with semicircular arches to the top and bottom.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
19th Century
The only stained glass is 19th-century border work in the east window of eucharistic symbols.
Interior
Interior Description
The aisle slopes down to the chancel and is lined with ledgers albeit covered by a carpet. The chancel arch is low and forms an unusually wide semicircle. The nave is panelled in oak to dado height, as is the chancel, although this is not continued to the sanctuary beyond the communion rail. The box pews are simple and regular in design.
The church possesses a fine hammerbeam roof, the decorative carving of which can still be seen on the corbels in the chancel and at closer quarters in the gallery. The roof timbers appear to have been reused and were perhaps from the hall or the earlier church. Within the roof space it is possible to appreciate the structure as it was intended.
Another hidden gem of the building was almost obliterated by the restorers. Above the chancel arch was painted a royal arms to Charles II (or possibly James I) and although the main was whitewashed over, the top half is still just visible from inside the roof space.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
Oak table
Reredos
A curtain hangs on the east wall under the window. In the gallery there is an oak mantelpiece which looks as though it may have once served as a reredos.
Pulpit
Rectangular in shape except for one panel set at an angle. This together with the lectern was constructed from a three decker pulpit which previously stood in the south aisle.
Lectern
Mirroring the pulpit on the south side although with only one carved panel.
Font (object)
Round bowl and stem in stone with wooden lid. Positioned in front of the blocked south doorway. Early medieval
Organ (object)
1955
Single manual pipe organ, by Jardine
Rail
Curved wooden balustrade with central door
Sundial
Above the blocked south doorway. With text ‘Out of the strong came forth sweetness’ and gnomon set within a decorative single mosaic eye. Lions head below with pipe leading to gallery where beehives were kept.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: SJ 657 25
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.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 21/07/1999
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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