Hove: St Agnes
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 287 57
As approached from the east, the church seems to stand on fairly level ground, but in fact the land slopes away to the south and even more sharply to the north and west. This allows space for a hall under the church, and the west front therefore has two levels. In the lower part the hall is lit by two three-light windows with flints in the spandrels. The side windows of the hall are not really visible, facing out into narrow areas. At the corners of the west front are angle buttresses and the main feature is the west window of the nave, which is twofold, of stone with a column between the two groups of three lights: evidently a statue was expected here for the column supports a small plinth.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Five bay nave with south aisle and two south porches. The spacious hall is beneath the whole area of the church.
Description of Archaeology and History
By A.G. Humphrey (a pupil of Bodley). The church was built in three parts - the crypt in 1903, the nave in 1913 and the south aisle and vestry were added in 1930. The chancel has never been built.
Exterior Description
As approached from the east, the church seems to stand on fairly level ground, but in fact the land slopes away to the south and even more sharply to the north and west. This allows space for a hall under the church, and the west front therefore has two levels. In the lower partl the hall is lit by two three-light windows with flints in the spandrels. The side windows of the hall are not really visible, facing out into narrow areas. At the corners of the west front are angle buttresses and the main feature is the west window of the nave, which is twofold, of stone with a column between the two groupsof three lights: evidently a statue was expected here for the column supports a small plinth. The head of the window is a very flattened arch and above it the gable is banded with stone. The tracery is geometrical, the two outer lights of each set rising further than the central one to embrace the quatrefoil above.
The north side of the church was not given any decoration at all, rising straight from the base plinth to the eaves, the bays marked by tall buttresses without set-offs. The clerestory windows are set very high in the wall. Presumably at one time buildings abutted closer on this side than the modern housing does now. On the south side of the church is an aisle and the composition is virtually symmetrical, having a porch projecting from each of the end bays. These have moulded two-centred doorways with ogee-headed niches above and floriated crosses on the gables. Between the porches, the aisle has three-light windows with square heads in each of the three remaining bays.
Interior
Interior Description
Lithough net large, the interior of the church has an air of nobility. This effect is the result of interestinguse of unpretentiousspatial effects, principally in the arcades of the. side walls which embrace both the aisle arches and the clerestory windows above them. The latter windows are of three light cinquefoil-headed and of an Arts and Crafts derivation (shown in the ogee head of the central light of each triplet, for example). The aisle arches below are depressed, with se[emental heads, ad the feeling of space thus achieved is much greater than that which would be given by flat walls.
Above the wall-head, the ceiling narrows by a broad cornice, the soffit of. which is painted with geometrical designs. The ceiling itself is a slightly pointed barrel vault divided into bays by painted ribs.
The west window internally is not one feature as it is outside, but appears to be a pair of identical windows. The heads are flattened triangles.
The two west bays of the south aisleare arranged as a chapel, the other bays walled off to form a vestry which is entered from the opposite end. The chapel has two arches of the arcade opening into the church, giving a pleasant view of the interior from the south-west door. At the west end of the aisle is a small semi-hexagonal projection with a tiny ogee-headed light in the south-west wall.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
The Altar is of the English type with riddel posts an angels bearing candles.
Organ (object)
The organ is a small two manual instrument by Morgan and Smith of Brighton. It has nine speaking stops.
Pulpit
The pulpit against the south wall is a simple arcaded wooden structure painted white.
Font (object)
The font is an unusual shape, the bowl being almost square with chamfered corners and uncommonly shallow. It is supported on a circular stem with four colonettes at the corners.
Organ (object)
American Organ by J. Estey and Co. in a castellated style.
Font (component)
The flat cover is veneered with dark oak with moulded decoration in the style of c.1620.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 287 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
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