Withcote: Withcote Chapel
Overview
Grid reference: SK 795 57
The 16th century predominates, consisting of the rectangular shell four bays long divided by stepped buttresses. There is one window in each bay in the north and south walls, the two western most set at the same intervals but with no intervening buttresses so as to accordate the north and south doorways.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
A plain rectangle, four bays in length.
Description of Archaeology and History
1500-10. The private chapel of the lord of the manor, first William Smith who died in 1506, then Roger Radcliffe, his widow's second husband.
Exterior Description
The 16th century predominates, consisting of the rectangular shell four bays long divided by stepped buttresses. There is one window in each bay in the north and south walls, the two western most set at the same intervals but with no intervening butresses so as to accordate the north and south doorways. There is a doorway also of the same character in the west wall, but this has long been blocked, as is indicated internally by the taller and very handsome 18th century doorcase with a blind door. The north and west doorways have traceried spandrels (quatrefoils enclosing shields) under a square and typically Tudor hood-mould.
The windows are square-headed but have moulded surrounds instead of hood-moulds, and these are carried on. at the upper level right round the building as a string-course. There is also a string-course about two fect below the window cills. The windows have three lights with depressed arched heads.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
There are altogether in the six windows chiefly containing the 16th century glass eighteen large standing figures which fill approximately the middle half of each light. Above each figure is an emblem of the Royal House - e.g. the Royal Arms, the White Rose, the Red Rose, the Fleur de Lys, the Portcullis, and so on.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior, in its principal features and its furnishings, is overwhelmingly of the 18th century and later. Round the top of the walls runs a boldly moulded cornice, and behind its strong upper projection the ceiling is coved rising to the single moulded rectangular panel.
Round the walls, up to cill level, is 18th century panelling smaller panels above and larger panels below - and towards the east end this is punctuated by reeded pilasters. The east ond is dominated by the splendid architecturally conceived reredos, consisting of a massive central section with a flat top flanked by free-standing Ionic columns which frame the altar-piece, and pedimented wings canted across the corners. The wings have Ionic pilasters, and these frame two charming monuments which form part of the composition and must all have been designed en suite. At the west end of the chapel one bay is made visually distinct by a low wooden screen which encloses, as perhaps it was originally intended to do, the area for the singers and now also an organ. If, alternatively, this was the Hall pew it is curious that the west doorcase was given such grand treatment as the external doorway, which is lower, is blocked and is now, alas, hidden by the organ. The floor throughout is 18th century, including the raised sanctuary, and consists of diagonally set white marble paviors with tiny black squares at the intersections.
Fixtures and fittings
Pulpit
19th Century
The pulpit is a 19th century octagonal piece, with traceried panels. It stands on a stone base with ogival mouldings.
Rail
18th Century
The Communion Rails must be contemporary with the rest of the 18th century refurnishing, and are of the most exquisitely delicate wrought ironwork.
Organ (object)
By Forster and Andrews of Hull.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SK 795 57
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 | N/A |
| Solar Thermal Panels | N/A |
| Biomass | N/A |
| Wind Turbine | N/A |
| Air Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | N/A |
| Ev Charging | N/A |
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
Submit a change
If you notice something incorrect or missing, please explain it in the form below and submit it to our team for review.