Shenley: St Botolph
Overview
Grid reference: TL 183 18
The exterior is built of squared flint with brick dressings; this type of flint, found most commonly in the eastern counties, is rare in Hertfordshire. One unusual detail is the sundial on the south wall. The east and west windows are 19th century with elementary Perpendicular tracery but the side windows are of 15th century date with two cinquefoiled lights. Also of this date are the north and south doorways.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Description of Archaeology and History
The former Early English church was rebuilt in 1424 when Maud, Countess of Salisbury, bequeathed money to the fabric. It then comprised a nave (four bays), chancel, south aisle, and west tower. In 1753 the chancel and tower arch were demolished, and the nave, arcade and roof destroyed. What remained was a plain 'preaching hall' building. The west tower was demolished in 1925.
Exterior Description
The exterior is built of squared flint with brick dressings; this type of flint, found most commonly in the eastern counties, is rare in Hertfordshire. One unusual detail is the sundial on the south wall. The east and west windows are 19th century with elementary Perpendicular tracery but the side windows are of 15th century date with two cinquefoiled lights. Also of this date are the north and south doorways.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1907
On the north wall is a window designed from a cartoon left by William Morris, dated 1907.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior has lost most of its original character, but a fine surviving feature is the Splendid double queen-post roof. The timbers were-originally concealed by the decorative plaster ceiling, but this was removed in 1940 for the inspection of timber. At the west end is a Georgian gallery (containing the organ) which is supported on Tuscan oak pillars below which are the two 18th century churchwardens' pews.
Fixtures and fittings
Brass
1621
Of Ralph Allwayl his wife and four daughters
Reredos
1878
Of carved oak
Rail
1878
Altar rails of carved oak.
Pulpit
1878
Of carved oak
Pew (object)
19th Century
19th century but with some old carved poppy heads.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TL 183 18
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.
Churchyard Structures
Tomb (monument)
1736
In the churchyard is the plain tomb of Nicholas Hawksmoor 1661-1736, the great architect and pupil of Sir Christopher Wren.
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
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.