Nominal: 712 Hz Weight: 1359 lbs Bell 1 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 5426 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Privett: Holy Trinity
Overview
Grid reference: SU 676 269
Rising 180 feet above the hill on which it stands, the spire commands attention. The church is no less powerful when observed at close quarters. Its slated roofs pitch steeply, down to the grey flint walls that have softer Doulting stone dressings. The exterior is fairly restrained in its Early English design and the simple arrangement of the windows in no way detracts from the more ambitious style of the tower and spire.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Aisled nave of four bays with clerestory; west tower with spire; chancel with transepts; north porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
Sir Arthur Blomfield 1876-8. The building of the church was financed by Sir William Nicholson, head of the family firm of distillers.
Exterior Description
Rising 180 feet above the hill on which it stands, the spire commands attention. The church is no less powerful when observed at close quarters. Its slated roofs pitch steeply, down to the grey flint walls that have softer Doulting stone dressings. The exterior is fairly restrained in its Early English design and the simple arrangement of the windows in no way detracts from the more ambitious style of the tower and spire.
The tower is of three stages, set on a moulded plinth. Slender angle buttresses have gabled set-offs just above the first stage. They rise with shallow set-offs to terminate (in gabled niches) a little below the broach spire. On the north face of the tower are two small lancets and an ornate niche which contains a carved statue of the then bishop of the diocese. Crockets decorate the canopy and spire over the figure, while the bracket of the niche rests on a column with a carved capital which rests ilyturn on a carved corbel. Set in the west side of the lowest stage is a pointed arched doorway, moulded and with an order of dog-tooth moulding. There is a steep gable above the arch and within its head is a niche that contains a carving of Christ the Good Shepherd, who stands with a lamb draped round his neck. The crocketed gable rises to a cross which is flanked each side by a slender pelican wounding her breast - a small but poignant detail. Above the doorway is a two-light window with quatrefoil tracery. The second stage has blind arcading of five arches each side. The second and fourth arches contain slit windows. At belfry level, there are two louvred openings in each face. Each opening has Y-tracery, and each pair is separated by a columnar mullion. From a tower, already lofty, rises the impressive broach spire. It has three tiers of lucarnes that become less ornate towards the top. The four lowest lucarnes have Y-tracried openings, miniature gabled pilasters and ornamented gables rising to a cross. A weathercock perches on the top, over 180 feet above the ground.
The nave and aisles have simple lancet windows. At clerestory level each of the four bays separated by flat pilasters, has two windows. The aisles, from west to east, have two/three/three/two windows, separated by single set-off buttresses. The transepts have steeply pitched roofs, like the nave chancel and aisles. The sout transept has a door at the east corner of the south face. Over the string course are two lancets and above them a sexfoil within a round window. The north transept is similar, but under the gable head is a vesica that contains a relief carving of David playing on a harp. Above the three stepped lancets of the chancel east end are vesicas containing carvings of Early English style flowers and foliage. The lancet group is contained beneath a single hood-moulded pointed arch.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
The west window of the tower has one light depicting St. Peter and one of St. Paul with a scene under each.
Stained Glass
The north wall of the chancel contains the Annunciation.
Stained Glass
The Nativity. Each window has a text and above the picture are red-winged angels.
Stained Glass
On the south side of the chancel is a single lancet which contains a portrayal of the Baptism of Christ. A fierce-looking John the Baptist baptises a rather self-conscious Christ holding a voluminous red robe round Him.
Stained Glass
The chancel east window of three lancets depicts: God the Father, The Crucifixion, and The Ascension.
Stained Glass
In the south aisle are three stained glass windows which are memorials to three Nicholson brothers.
Stained Glass
Godfrey de Bouillon. A knight in armour carrying a huge sword and shield. Above his head an angel carries the badge of his regiment. Godfrey Maule Nicholson 1872-1901.
Stained Glass
St. George. A young knight in grey armour with a red cloak. His foot rests on a dragon with blue teeth. An angel above with the badge of the 7th Hussars. John Sanctuary Nicholson 1863-1924.
Stained Glass
St. Martin, dividing his cloak. An angel holds the badge of the Royal Scots Greys. Clement Octavius Edward Nicholson. 1874-1838.
Interior
Interior Description
Inside the immediate impression is one of height and space. This is closely followed by a feeling of warmth created by the use of light coloured stones in the walls, which are faced with beautifully dressed blocks of Ham Hill stone and Bath stone. A dado of pink Corsehill stone runs round the church, contrasting well with the light sandy stone of the rest of the walls. Architecturally the building is striking and it would be difficult to single out for special mention any particularly fine aspect. However, the tower arch, lofty and attenuated, is perhaps the most beautiful feature. The equilateral arch has several finely moulded orders. These spring from slender columnar imposts, the inner pair extending only a short way down the arch. These two columns rest on carved floriate corbels and, beneath, a carved head. The font although square and solid looking is quite lost at the foot of this great arch. Behind it is the west doorway which is contained beneath a three-centred arch.
The nave has arcades of four bays of noble proportions. Each moulded arch, with an inner order of ball carving, rests on a quadripartite column. Above each arch is hood moulding linked by handsomely carved label stop heads. Above the continuous cill is the clerestory - a pointed arched arcade. In each bay are four arches, the two outer being blind and the two inner containing windows.
The chancel arch spans the width of the nave. It springs from turned Purbeck marble shafts with carved capitals and is much moulded. Behind the chancel arch are, first, three marble steps, then two into the sanctuary, and two up again to think altar, which thus stands in an elevated and commanding position. Through the arch the eye is drawn to the group of three lancet windows which are quite deeply splayed. The windows are linked by pointed arches that have Purbeck marble columns (like the chancel arch). Above the side lancets are roundels carved in relief with a serpent-like creature. Below the windows is a stone carved reredos flanked by recessed double arcading. The arcading continues on the north side with two smaller bays extending to a recessed gabled arch which contains a plaque inscribed as follows: To the Glory of God and as a thank offering dor many mercies this church of the Holy Trinity was built 1876-1878 and consecrated the feast of St. Mark by Edward Harold, Lord Bishop of the Diocese." The plaque is contained within a tall pointed arch, flanked by two lower arches. Above the middle arch is a trefoil and above the side ones are quatrefoils. The composition seems rather like a tomb particularly as it has a dark marble ledger slab just above the floor leve. On the south side of the chancel are a piscina and sedilia.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
The altar is of carved oak. In itself it is not a particularly striking piece. Its splendour was evidently meant to come from an apparently impressive altar cloth.
Reredos
With the arcades each side, it extends the breadth of the chancel east wall. The central panel behind the altar is a deel relief carved in Caen stone of the Supper at Emmaus. The group is contained within a trefoiled arch with a gable above. The double arcades contain mandorlas with angels. Each angel is holding a musical instrument.
Piscina (object)
The piscina on the south side of the sanctuary has a double arch but only one drain. Its carved ornamentation is in the same style that appears elsewhere in the church.
Sedilia
A triple sedilia with Purbeck marble shafts and hood moulding lies to the west of the piscina.
Rail
The communion rails are of brass and have decorated wrought iron brackets to the brass stanchions, once gilt.
Pulpit
The pulpit seems small in relation to the vast chancel arch. It is of stone and has open trefoil-headed arcading and carved ornamentation. An angel, its wings spread and its hands crossed over its breast, supports the reading desk. On the pulpit ledge is a double brass candle bracket.
Font (object)
The bowl is solidly square with leafy carving each side. It is made of red and yellow Mansfield stone supported on a heavy central column and corner shafts of Purbeck marble.
Bells
Nominal: 1444 Hz Weight: 465 lbs Bell 2 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35730 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1348 Hz Weight: 531 lbs Bell 3 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35731 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1201.5 Hz Weight: 543 lbs Bell 4 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35732 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1075 Hz Weight: 618 lbs Bell 5 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35733 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 954 Hz Weight: 675 lbs Bell 6 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35734 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 886 Hz Weight: 813 lbs Bell 7 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35735 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 793.5 Hz Weight: 1029 lbs Bell 8 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1877
Dove Bell ID: 35736 Tower ID: 15390 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 676 269
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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