Arborfield: Old St Bartholomew
Overview
Grid reference: SU 749 680
Arborfield is not mentioned in Domesday, but a church is recorded in 1190. The original church was presumably on the present site. The only architectural details now visible appear Perpendicular in style, though not diagnostic (or indeed visible) enough to provide more than a late medieval or post-medieval date. The original flint walls are very thick, perhaps supporting a 12th-century foundation.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and chancel in one, mortuary chapel with north porch on north side.
Dimensions:
Nave and chancel 13m (40 ft) x 5m (16ft).
Description of Archaeology and History
Arborfield is not mentioned in Domesday, but a church is recorded in 1190. The original church was presumably on the present site. The only architectural details now visible appear Perpendicular in style, though not diagnostic (or indeed visible) enough to provide more than a late medieval or post-medieval date. The original flint walls are very thick, perhaps supporting a 12th-century foundation.
A brick mortuary chapel on the north side was erected by the Conroy family after the abandonment of the church and construction of the “new” church in 1863, which involved the rebuilding of the affected section of the north wall of the church.
Exterior Description
An atmospheric ruin in an attractive rural setting. Only the east wall and part of the west wall and the western part of the north wall of the flint structure survive.
The church appears to have originally been a rectangular single cell structure. The east gable survives best, with a large east window with a four-centred head set into very thick walls.
There is a diagonal buttress at the south-eastern corner, probably a late attempt to arrest the collapse of the east wall. There is some plaster adhering to the external face of the wall.
Building Materials
Flint
East and west walls
Chalk
East and west walls
Brick
North wall and extension in red brick
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 749 680
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.
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
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