Hawinge: St Michael
Overview
Grid reference: TR 228 396
Hawkinge is probably one of five churches in the hundred of Folkestone referred to in the Domesday Book, and the nave strongly suggests a Saxon foundation. The earliest visible indications of date are the blocked west doorway and the jambs of the window above it, the jambs of the south doorway with scratch dials on the eastern impost, and the flint masonry of the nave walls. The north and one of the south windows are 13th century (renewed in the 19th century restoration, which took place in 1875), and two of the nave and one of the chancel south windows are 17th century. The square porch is probably 14th century and the vestry no doubt of 1875.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave and chancel in one, south porch and vestry on the north side of the chancel. Over the western gable of the nave is a bell cote.
Dimensions:
Nave and chancel total 21.2m in length and are 6.2m wide (slightly wider at the west); the porch is square, 3.8m by 3.8m ; and the vestry is 2.9m wide and 5.6m long.
Description of Archaeology and History
Hawkinge is probably one of five churches in the hundred of Folkestone referred to in the Domesday Book, and the nave strongly suggests a Saxon foundation. The earliest visible indications of date are the blocked west doorway and the jambs of the window above it, the jambs of the south doorway with scratch dials on the eastern impost, and the flint masonry of the nave walls. The north and one of the south windows are 13th century (renewed in the 19th century restoration, which took place in 1875), and two of the nave and one of the chancel south windows are 17th century. The square porch is probably 14th century and the vestry no doubt of 1875.
Exterior Description
The stone porch, interesting with a square plan, is slightly to the west of the middle of the nave wall and the outer entrance is round-headed (but surely not Norman) and single-chamfered with a near circular stone over its head carved with an incised cross of unusual form. West of the porch in the nave south wall is one of the 13th century lancets renewed in the 19th century restoration; east of the porch are two charmingly domestic 17th century windows, each with a single mullion. In the chancel south wall is a window of identical form but first, to the west of it, one remarks an uncommonly tall lancet with a low sill and a single transom.
The north wall of the nave has three renewed lancets, widely spaced, and there are no north lights in the chancel because of the vestry. The vestry, curiously, has two doors (clergy and choir), one being a large square-headed doorway in the west wall and the other (pointed) in the north wall where also are two lancet windows.
The chancel east wall has a central buttress with a fairly tall lancet either side. The buttress has a single set-off, and one is driven to wonder if this unusual design was not suggested or dictated by the structural problems posed by the steeply sloping site.
In the west wall of the nave is a blocked doorway, clearly 12th century in form; faint signs of disturbance in the flint masonry and the shadow of an arch in the rendering suggest the presence also of a blocked north doorway above the blocked west doorway is a large lancet light, and the gable is then squared off for the seating of the bell-cote.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1933
The stained glass in the east lancets depicts figures of St. Francis of Asisi and St. Michael the Archangel set in clear glass. A memorial to the Revd. A.R. Simpson, Rector 1901-1928. Installed 1933.
Interior
Interior Description
The internal south door is ancient, with an iron grille and the interior is plastered.
There is no structural division internally, as there is none externally, between nave and chancel but a low wooden screen (with gates) divides the two and the chancel has its customary stalls and the nave its pews all of 1875.
The roof structure is partly ancient, with massive tie-beams and kingposts.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (object)
c.14th Century
Opposite the south entrance, with an octagonal bowl on an octagonal stem.
Stall
c.1875
Pew (object)
c.1875
Desk
c.1875
Screen
c.1875
Churchyard
Grid reference: TR 228 396
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
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