Nominal: 894 Hz Weight: 840 lbs Diameter: 33.69" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by I S (Gloucester)
Dove Bell ID: 56027 Tower ID: 21247 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Kenderchurch: St Mary
Overview
Grid reference: SO 402 284
The present building was founded in the 12th century, evidenced by the font and carving in the west wall, with a restoration occurring around 1871 (details contested). Finial crosses and a gabled belcote provide the vertical emphasis of this church, while its location on a hill adds an element of spectacle. The fabric shows signs of rebuilding, particularly to the west wall, with some apparently hammer-dressed stonework.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
Nave with bellcote and south porch, chancel with north vestry.
Dimensions:
Nave c 10m (35ft) x 5m (16ft), chancel 5m x 4m.
Footprint of Church buildings: 140 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
In common with most churches in the area there is a legendary association with a 6th century Welsh saint, this time Cynidr, said to be the origin of Kender. The shape of the churchyard might suggest a pre-Conquest origin. There is a Norman motte a mile north.
The present building was founded in the 12th century, evidenced by the font and carving in the west wall, but Newman and Pevsner considered the church to have been completely rebuilt during a general restoration of 1870-2 by William Chick of Hereford, who restored several churches in the area. The listing description says 'some medieval fabric of indeterminate date, largely rebuilt during restoration of 1871'. The ICBS records it gave a grant towards 'new porch and vestry, several new windows, general restoration and reseating'. It would indeed appear that the nave and chancel do preserve considerable Medieval fabric, particularly at low level.
Exterior Description
This is a simple and compact building of considerable charm. Apart from the dramatic location, some vertical emphasis is given by finial crosses and a plain gabled bellcote at the west end, as well as a tall moulded stack to the vestry gable. This gable is rather overhung by a large conifer.
The fabric shows signs of rebuilding, particularly to the west wall, with some apparently hammer-dressed stonework, with one possible sculptured piece, which is somewhat reminiscent of carving at nearby Kilpeck.
The fenestration of the nave consists of one square headed light and one 2-light square headed window (both possibly 16th or 17th century) to the east end of the gabled porch. Two pairs of Victorian trefoil headed lights and a rounded to the west end; two pairs of similar trefoil headed lights to north side. The chancel has a lower roof line, a pair of trefoil headed lights to south. Three-light Victorian east window with three quatrefoils in roundels and decorative panel with cusping.
The gabled porch has a pointed head to the outer doorway of two orders, outer chamfered and inner moulded with attached shafts to jambs with moulded square capitals and bases, label with decorative stops. The inner doorway is 16th-century with four-centred heads and moulded jambs. There is a possibly Medieval stoup.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
12th century with restorations
Bellcote
19th century
Porch
19th century new by Chick
Chancel
12th century with restorations
Vestry
19th century new by Chick
Stained Glass
1881
East window with angels holding shields, dedicated in memory of Rachel Matthews, died 1881.
Building Materials
Sandstone
19th century sandstone rubble
Stone
19th century freestone dressings
Welsh Slate
19th century roof
Interior
Interior Description
Moving inside, the interior is whitewashed. Inspection confirms the assessment that although there has been much restoration, much historic fabric and features survive. As well as the font, there is a Jacobean pulpit and altar, fine 16th century wagon roof to the chancel with moulded ribs and rosettes, and a restored chancel screen of the same date, of which the panelled coving with moulded cross-beam carved with running vine ornament is certainly original. Grave slab with complex floriate incised cross on south wall of nave, possibly 13th-century.
Simpler Victorian roof to nave with tie-beams and king-posts. Moulded pointed chancel arch, Victorian. Floor of stone slabs, mostly under red carpet, tiles in chancel. Very plain wooden benches in the nave and good choir stalls in the chancel with arcaded fronts and leaf poppyheads. There is a fine 17th century chest carved with vine scroll and rosettes in the vestry.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
17th century oak altar table with thick turned legs
Pulpit
17th century partly restored early 17th century pulpit with three sides, each sub-divided into three panels with decorative details to each
Lectern
19th century lectern in the style of the pulpit, probably Victorian
Font (component)
12th / 13th century stone font with chalice profile, late 12th or 13th century with chevron carved into the flat rim, square base with chamfered corners
Plaque (component)
19th century marble tablet in vestry with pediment and coat of arms of William Pytts Senior and Junior, died 1750 and 1752, several brass plaques
Organ (component)
19th century harmonium
Rail
19th century oak, plain with balusters
Bells
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Bishops transcripts from 1661, baptisms, burials, and marriages from 1812, in PRO.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SO 402 284
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.
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.
| Name | Status | Number found in this site |
|---|---|---|
| Common yew | Veterantree | 1 |
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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