Weight: 1344 lbs Diameter: 42.06" Bell 1 of 4
Founded by William Oldfield (of Canterbury)
Dove Bell ID: 7333 Tower ID: 10462 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Westwell: St Mary
Diocese of Canterbury
Church, 606222
https://www.calehill-westwell.uk/Overview
Grid reference: TQ 990 474
St Mary Westwell is a medieval church in a small village, population around 900, lying below the North Downs and the Pilgrim’s way in an area of outstanding Natural beauty and in the Westwell conservation area. It has a main nave with north and south aisles, north and south chantries and a notable chancel. The church is made of Kentish ragstone with flint and the outer walls are rendered.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 534 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built around 1270, although it has earlier origins. It was originally in possession of the archbishops of canterbury and its chancel reflects the investment by the monks of Christchurch and the consequent high level of masonry with its simple fan vaulting and 3 trefoil arches on 17ft high slender columns. This is a very unusual architectural feature. In the chancel are three sedila of Bethersden marble. The church is largely 13th century overall.
The East window has a partly original Jesse window dating from the 13th century and there are fragments of medieval glass in the north aisle windows.. It has the remains of a 14th century rood screen and 14th century choir stalls and benches.
Exterior Description
The church is made of Kentish ragstone with flint and the outer walls are renderd. It has a shingled west tower, recently reshingled, There are two aisles, each with a separate roof , dated to the 15th C, and a main nave with 19th century roof. It has a main nave with north and south aisles, north and south chantries and a notable chancel.
Interior
Interior Description
The chancel reflects the investment by the monks of Christchurch and the consequent high level of masonry with its simple fan vaulting and 3 trefoil arches on 17ft high slender columns. This is a very unusual architectural feature. In the chancel are three sedila of Bethersden marble. The church is largely 13th century overall.
The East window has a partly original Jesse window dating from the 13th century and there are fragments of medieval glass in the north aisle windows.. It has the remains of a 14th century rood screen and 14th century choir stalls and benches.
The nave columns alternate round and octagonal and increase in height towards the chancel. Some of the arches show remains of medieval decoration with red triangles. In the south chancel, currently used as a vestry, are remnants of simple geometric wall paintings. The tower houses four 17th century bells, supported on a timber frame, and with an unusual contemporary timber staircase leading from the base of the tower to the first floor. These structures are currently roped off as they are not able to withstand heavy use. The tower arch is decorated with floriated capital and two carved heads.
Bells
Weight: 672 lbs Diameter: 32.15" Bell 2 of 4
Founded by John Wilnar 1630
Dove Bell ID: 45416 Tower ID: 10462 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 896 lbs Diameter: 34.5" Bell 3 of 4
Founded by Joseph Hatch 1609
Dove Bell ID: 45417 Tower ID: 10462 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Weight: 1120 lbs Diameter: 38.4" Bell 4 of 4
Founded by Joseph Hatch 1616
Dove Bell ID: 45418 Tower ID: 10462 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 990 474
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
Sources
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