Diameter: 12" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by John Taylor & Co 1898
Dove Bell ID: 56565 Tower ID: 21546 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Leicester: St Christopher
Overview
Grid reference: SK 583 4
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave, vestries, adjoining corridor to church hall which has a main hall, partitioned area, upper rooms and kitchen, WC facilities and basement.
Dimensions:
Total building length 56.25m. Nave c. 20m2
Description of Archaeology and History
The original church was built by W. Keay in 1928. Keay was a partner in the firm of Pick, Everard, Keay and Gimson and responsible for several local projects including the (former) county offices in Leicester; he was also appointed college architect in 1921 for the new Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland College. The 1928 building became the church hall when the current church was added in 1967 by Roger Keene Partnership.
A porch to the north was demolished in 1993 following damage from vehicle impact and in an effort to improve security.
Exterior Description
The existing church is almost a square structure and was added to the west end of the 1928 build, extending southwards; roughly creating an L shaped plan. The roof is split-pitched; the north section is flat with the south rising higher before sloping to allow a tall clearstorey of continuous windows. Further light to the nave is provided by windows at high level on the east and west of the flat roofed section.
There is a wide vestibule running along the length of the north of the building, linking it to the church hall, this has five sections of full height windows (polycarbonate glazing). The vestries, which are sandwiched between the church and hall, have flat roofing.
The church hall is a long building with a continuous pitched roof. There are nine bays; seven of these on each elevation have unusual high, yet short windows appearing almost as a clearstorey. The windows are divided into three sections filling the width of the bays and set in segmental arches. At the east and west gables there are three tall lights (the outer shorter than the central) in segmental arches. Both gables have a bell at the apex, the eastern in a small extending bell-cote.
Building Materials
Brick
20th Century The walls are built of grey-brown brick with a copper-clad or stainless steel roof.
Copper
20th Century The walls are built of grey-brown brick with a copper-clad or stainless steel roof.
Steel
20th Century The walls are built of grey-brown brick with a copper-clad or stainless steel roof.
Interior
Interior Description
The east end of the church has more of a domestic feel with rectangular glazing where the kitchen and WC facilities are situated and dormer windows reflecting the upper storey accommodation. There is also a tall chimney on the south side. There are blocked entrance doors at the east end with a small porch overhead suggesting that this was at one time the principal entrance.
Access to the church today is through metal-plated double doors at the north west corner which lead into the vestibule. The nave is on your right through a further set of doors, but the entire partition here can be removed if necessary. The nave is a large square carpeted space with a raised sanctuary platform at the south side. The nave is well lit from the clearstorey and side windows but the exposed steelwork of the roof feels imposing and industrial. The furniture is all of simple design and portable, which enables a high level of flexibility in using this space.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
20th Century Hefty softwood table comprised of bolted planks. Given by four parent parishes 1968.
Lectern
Simple wooden portable design.
Font (component)
20th Century Portable wooden octagonal design with stainless steel basin. 1989
Organ (component)
Hammond electronic.
Altar Rail
Simple softwood planks on iron supports.
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: SK 583 4
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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