Elvetham: St Mary the Virgin
Overview
Grid reference: SU 782 563
The church stands in the grounds of Elvetham Hall, formerly the seat of the Calthorpe family. It is on the site of an earlier church and probably incorporates some of its fabric. The most remarkable feature of the exterior is the spire, which has the symbols of the Evangelists on pedestals which rise from the broaches, and dramatic. winged angels flying away from the four corners. The interior is plastered, with painted decoration in the sanctuary.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
(aisleless) nave and chancel in one, west tower, shallow north transept with family pew over, and south porch.
Description of Archaeology and History
It is on the site of an earlier church and probably incorporates some of its fabric, though none of it is visible (except for the piscina, which may simply be re-used).
The most remarkable feature of the exterior is the spire, which has the symbols of the Evangelists on pedestals which rise from the broaches, and dramatic. winged angels flying away from the four corners: in the vestry is a water colour of c.1841 which shows the spire as at present but without these sculptural additions and it seems probable that they were added by Teulon, 1859-60, at the time when he was building the house.
A drawing in the vestry, signed by George H. Birch, Archt. of ChanceryLane' shows that it was proposed to aggrandise the church later in the century by adding an apsidal chancel and a south chapel in lancet style , but fortunately this was never carried out.
Exterior Description
The church is faced with flint and sandstone dressings. It is on the site of an earlier church and probably incorporates some of its fabric, though none of it is visible (except for the piscina, which may simply be re-used). The most remarkable feature of the exterior is the spire, which has the symbols of the Evangelists on pedestals which rise from the broaches, and dramatic. winged angels flying away from the four corners. The church is neo-Norman in style, with round-headed windows.
Building Materials
Flint
Dressings
Sandstone
Dressings
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is plastered, with painted decoration in the sanctuary; the most immediate impression of the interior, however, is that it is crowded with fittings, mostly of high quality, which combine to create an effect of great richness and (like the house) indicate the strongly idiosyncratic taste of the Calthorpe family.
Fixtures and fittings
Organ (object)
1863
In west gallery, by J. Banfield, of Birmingham. Two-manual. Said to have come from the house.
Painting
1914
Stations of the Cross. Oil on canvas , c. 1914. Signed AEC (no doubt Austin Cooper who signs an oil painting of the chapel which still hangs in the house) .
Font (object)
Tub-shaped, on a short column, with decoration in inlaid mastic. This and its wooden cover seem characteristic of Teulon.
Lectern
The lectern is a particularly good Teulonesque design, double- sided, of brass ornamented with semi-precious stones.
Painting
In the vestry hangs a water colour signed by Prof. E.W. Tristram showing a scheme for the redecoration of the church: the only part of it to be completed is represented by the two splendid painted panels , roughly 10' x 5' , north and south of the reredos - respectively Christ Carrying the Cross and the Deposition.
Reredos
1889
By Skipworth, a pupil of Bodley. Of carved wood, painted and gilded, showing the Annunciationand, in the centre panel, the Crucifixion. The figures are of alabaster.
Piscina (object)
Early 13th Century
on the south side of the sanctuary
Painting
Oil painting of St. Mary the Virgin, in nun's habit.
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
On the west wall, at the back of the gallery, two monuments by James Hardy: this one to Priscilla Calthorpe, died 1709 - both incorporating good portrait busts.
On the west wall , at the back of the gallery, two monuments by James Hardy: This one to Sir Reynolds Calthorpe, who died in 1714 - both incorporating good portrait busts.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 782 563
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
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.