Darnsden: St Andrew
Overview
Grid reference: TM 94 529
The chapel-of-ease status of this small church is reflected in its simple unassuming architecture. The rectangular body of the church is supported at each corner by diagonal buttresses, and the only break in the roofline occurs at the west end where a heavy bell-cote is corbelled out at the apex of the gable. The wall surfaces are of round flints, all unknapped, and the edges of the dressed stones are still as sharp as the day they were cut; together these two factors give a harsh appearance to the exterior.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Single-cell, aisleless building with west boll-cote, west door and south door sheltered by a porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built in 1880 as a chapel of ease to Barking a mile to the west. The cost was £1,500, but the architect is not recorded.
Exterior Description
Flint wall facings, Bath stone dressings, tiled roofs.
The chapel-of-ease status of this small church is reflected in its simple unassuming architecture. The rectangular body of the church is supported at each corner by diagonal buttresses, and the only break in the roofline occurs at the west end where a heavy bell-cote is corbelled out at the apex of the gable. The wall surfaces are of round flints, all unknapped, and the edges of the dressed stones are still as sharp as the day they were cut; together these two factors give a harsh appearance to the exterior.
The west wall has a door in the lower part, now disused, and a circular window above containing four quatrefoils. The entrance is by the south porch, with deeply pierced pairs of quatrofoils as windows in the side walls. The other windows in the building are of stock design and in predictable positions. The east window is the largest, of three main lights with Decorated tracery incorporating a cinquofoil.
Interior
Interior Description
Inside the predominant colour is brown on the floor, in the woodwork, on the walls and even in the cathedral glass in the windows. The nave is crowded with pews and the chancel is marked by a change in level, being three steps above the nave floor. On the north sido at this point is the pulpit and on the south the priest's desk.
Architecturally the interior has few claims to notice, the windows being set within plainly chamfered reveals (except for the east window which is surrouned by an arch carried on attached colums). The roof is quite unusual, alternate bays having big curved braces giving the effect of giant cusping. The solidity of the pews (with strong poppyheads) and the rest of the furnishing contrasts with the much lighter reredos which has five cusped and crocketted gablets and three relief figures of Christ, St. Peter and St. Andrew. In place of two pinnacles flanking the central gablet are winged angels silhouetted against the east window.
Fixtures and fittings
Reredos
Features five cusped and crocketted gablets and three relief figures of Christ , St. Peter and St. Andrew.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TM 94 529
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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