Nominal: 1276 Hz Weight: 500 lbs Diameter: 27.5" Bell 1 of 3
Founded by Llewellins & James 1906
Dove Bell ID: 6507 Tower ID: 12593 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Stratton-on-the-Fosse: St Vigor
Diocese of Bath & Wells
Church, 601363
http://stvigorstjohn.churchOverview
Grid reference: ST 659 507
St. Vigor’s in Stratton-on-the-Fosse dates from the years following the Conquest through Saxon and Norman times with the Manor of Stratton ultimately passing around 1204 to a Norman family called Sancto Vigore, who came originally from the village of Saint-Vigor-le-Grand, Normandy in North West France. From this history, it is assumed that the church was dedicated by the Sancto Vigore family during a time of rebuilding from a possible simple Saxon or Norman church. The church is thought to have undergone minor work in 14th century, much rebuilt 15th and 16th centuries with further rebuilding in late 18th century and restoration in the 19th century. The chancel is said to have been rebuilt in 1765 and the north aisle in 1782.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
The church is above road level and is approached via a sloping path and steps. Outside Portaloo and cold-water tap.
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 221 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The church is thought to have undergone minor work in 14th century, was much rebuilt in the 15th and 16th centuries with further rebuilding in the late 18th century and restoration in the 19th century. The chancel is said to have been rebuilt in 1765 and the north aisle in 1782. The latter is known as The Knatchbull Chapel, so named after the benefactors, the Knatchbull family, who financed the enlargement of the original transept, which according to Pevsner was a legacy of the Long family.
Exterior Description
It has a small nave that can seat around 80 people, a chancel, north aisle, south porch and west tower. The exterior is random and course rubble.
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is plain plastered, originally whitewash but repainted primrose yellow in 1990s and currently exhibiting much discolouration, and flagstone floors.
From the medieval porch, one enters the church through an oak door, reputed to be one of the oldest in a parish church and three indentations in it are rumoured to be gunshot from the Civil War. The threshold step shows many centuries of wear. Behind the door stands the font, dating from around 1400. It is quite plain and shows the marks of the workman’s tools. It has an oak cover, which is possibly Norman. The pulpit also dates from medieval times, with handrails added later. In the late 1700s the Long family of Stratton-on-the-Fosse and the Knatchbull family of Babington were important local families and were joined together in marriage. In 1782 the two families funded the enlargement of the north aisle to become what is known as the Knatchbull Chapel. Here you will find many memorials to both families and the two medieval stained glass windows have recently undergone restoration.
The Knatchbull Chapel once housed an organ from the Brighton Pavillion that came first in 1823 to a newly built chapel at Downside Abbey and then St. Vigor’s in 1902. In 1969 it was damaged by rain water, and was sold in 1973 and shipped to America to be replaced by a small electronic one. Following restoration of The Knatchbull Chapel roof, the current pipe organ was donated by the Methodist church of Folly Gate, Devon, on closure in 1995 but with installation costs totalling £5,500. This organ itself was originally built for Exeter Cathedral in about 1858.
Fixtures and fittings
Font (component)
15th Century Plain, oak cover (possibly Norman)
Pulpit
Medieval Period
Stained Glass (window)
Bells
Nominal: 1565.5 Hz Weight: 394 lbs Diameter: 25" Bell 2 of 3
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1719
Dove Bell ID: 41248 Tower ID: 12593 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Nominal: 1392 Hz Weight: 416 lbs Diameter: 26" Bell 3 of 3
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1719
Dove Bell ID: 41249 Tower ID: 12593 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: ST 659 507
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
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 | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
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
Sources
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