Swanscombe: All Saints
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 605 748
Commissioned by a local magnate, F.A. White, for his employees in the adjoining cement works. The church has never been completed and lacks the south aisle and underground vestries included in the original design. The exterior is-crisp and severe, the walls being of very black knapped flints left circular and laid, at the lower levels, in regular courses, above they are laid more freely, with dressings of white Bath stone. The interior is less severe in character: the nave has octagonal sandstone piers, with moulded cappings and no clerestory.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Basically cruciform, with chancel, central tower, nave, south transept, north aisle and north porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
Commissioned by a local magnate, F.A. White, for his employees in the adjoining cement works. The church has never been completed and lacks the south aisle and underground vestries included in the original design. The Chancel was panelled in mahogany in 1912 by Gerald Horsley, and the organ case carried out by him at the same time.
Exterior Description
The exterior is-crisp and severe, the walls being of very black knapped flints left circular and laid, at the lower levels, in regular courses, above they are laid more freely ,with dressings of white Bath stone. Windows are Decorated and Perpendicular, those on the sides being square-headed. The south arcade is 'temporarily' filled-in with brick walling, and has plain windows in wood frames. The roofs terminate against gables coped in stone, the slates coming down unbroken over nave and aisles. The chancel, without aisles, is as high as the nave and looks tall and sheer. The tower, with short pyramidal spire, is oddly low and crenellated - each face humped to form a shallow gable.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is less severe in character: the nave has octagonal sandstone piers, with moulded cappings and no clerestory. The tower suipports are set well back so as not to break up the space - a version of internal flying buttresses. Chancel and nave roofs have arch-braced collar-trusses, with lean-to sections over the north aisle and both transepts. The timber is pine, stained very dark, with boarding behind the rafters: this contrasts with the rendered walls of the nave, and the limewashed walls in the chancel.
Fixtures and fittings
Stall
Designed by the architect, Norman Shaw
Pulpit
Designed by the architect, Norman Shaw.
Lectern
Designed by the architect, Norman Shaw.
Reredos
Designed by the architect, Norman Shaw.
Painting
Early 16th Century
Deposition, Flemish
Painting
Madonna and Child - Mariotto Albertinelli (1471-1515)
Painting
Message of the Angel to Joseph - Marcello Venusti (1515-79)
Painting
Copy of the Titian Entombment in the Louvre
Painting
Crucifixion - Annibale Carracci.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 605 748
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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