Nordelph: Holy Trinity
Overview
Grid reference: TF 557 9
Nordelph is a charming little village between Wisbech and Downham Market on the western edge of the fens. The church occupies a pleasant location on the south bank of a tributary of the Nene, which meanders through the village. The church was built in 1865 as a Chapel of Ease to the parish church of St Peter, Upwell, to a design by J Giles of London at a cost of £2,500. Externally and internally very plain. Early English in style, with a continuous roof interrupted only by a small iron fleche at the junction of nave and chancel.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building demolished
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
2-bay chancel and 7-bay nave in one. North-east organ chamber.
Dimensions:
36m (110 feet) long, 7m (22 feet) wide.
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built in 1865 as a Chapel of Ease to the parish church of St Peter, Upwell, to a design by J Giles of London at a cost of £2,500. The only major changes have been the insertion of a wooden panelled partition in the north-west corner of the nave to create a vestry and coffee room, and the demolition of the south porch in 1996 after large cracks appeared. These have now spread to the rest of the building, resulting in the closure of the building in early 1999. The cracks are due to subsidence, as the church is built upon soft peat and clay deposits. The fine rectory which stood on the north side of the church was demolished after 1945.
Exterior Description
Early English in style, with a continuous roof interrupted only by a small iron fleche at the junction of nave and chancel. There are stone cross finials at the east and west ends; that from the demolished porch is stored within the church. After the demolition of the south-west porch the organ chamber on the north side of the chancel is the only external feature.
Most of the windows are plain lancets, irregularly spaced. The exceptions are the three-light chancel east window, the two-light south-west chancel window (set in a cross-gable) and the west window of the nave, all with plate tracery. There are substantial brick buttresses with two steep weatherings. The church sits on a brick plinth. There are large cracks running up the walls, with attempts at repairs evident.
Building Fabric and Features
Stained Glass
1870
East chancel window has the Conversion of Saul in the central light, flanked by scenes from the Martyrdom of St Stephen. Christ in Glory above. Artist unknown.
Interior
Interior Description
The nave roof is arch-braced to a collar, the chancel has a waggon roof. There is a timber chancel arch with carved decoration, springing from consoles with gilded colonettes. This is virtually the only decorative detail within the church, with the exception of the reredos.
The floor is mainly composed of quarry tiles, many of which are loose and uneven due to the subsidence affecting the whole building. This appears to be at its worst in the chancel, where the floor is seriously mounded. There are patterned encaustic tiles in the sanctuary, up two steps from the chancel.
Fixtures and fittings
Reredos
1865
Plain stone slab the width of the window, topped with a crenellated parapet at the height of the window cill. Inset within this is a marble wheel cross, inlaid with semi-previous stones.
Pulpit
1865
Plain limestone
Lectern
1865
Plain pitch pine lectern
Font (object)
1865
Limestone with a square base, circular stem, and square, neo-Classical bowl, and looks as if it has been stuck together from different components.The bowl is possibily relatively new. Original is said to have been octagonal.
Organ (object)
1870
Small pipe organ built by James Corps of Camden Town. Poor quality architectural case, painted powder blue.
Churchyard
Grid reference: TF 557 9
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 | 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
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