Nominal: 679.5 Hz Weight: 1806 lbs Diameter: 45.25" Bell 1 of 7
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1729
Dove Bell ID: 1432 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Chalgrove: St Mary
Diocese of Oxford
Church, 627104
http://www.chalgrovechurch.orgOverview
Grid reference: SU 637 965
The Church of St Mary at Chalgrove is an ancient foundation. The church’s current form dates back to the 12th century AD, and there may be an Anglo-Saxon church beneath or near the medieval building. The church contains one of the best preserved and most colourful set of wall paintings not only in Oxfordshire, but in England. The quality and beauty of the decoration is probably due to royal patronage as a prebend of Wallingford. This influence perhaps ensured that the living of the church passed to Christ Church, Oxford, the new foundation of King Henry VIII.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Bell Ringing Regular Choir Concerts and Live Music Visitor Parking Available Ramped Entrance
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 388 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
Archaeology
Human activity in Chalgrove dates back at least to the Neolithic period. There are signs of activity during the Roman period; cropmarks and pottery evidence indicate a Romano-British settlement to the west of the modern village. The important royal Mercian seat of Bensington (Benson), of which Chalgrove is part, is mentioned in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. There may have been a Saxon church in Chalgrove: if so it could underlie the medieval church.
An Anglo-Saxon settlement had its origins close to the church on the south side of the modern village with at least three mill sites between those at Stratford and Ascott. Boundary ditches and a possible pond were located by survey to the south of the church and the west of the churchyard. The survey showed traces of linear boundaries of uncertain age but probably the remains of the medieval village. This may be part of the original village site near the church.
History
In the Domesday Book of 1086 Chalgrove came under the land of Miles Crispin, the keeper of Wallingford Castle and a member of the King’s Council. Chalgrove as Crispin’s principal seat, was part of the Honor of Wallingford and in the half hundred of Benson.
In medieval times Chalgrove was a rectory, with glebe land to support the rector, a royal clerk appointed by the crown. The vicar or chaplain was appointed by the rector to undertake the parochial duties. This included mass and prayers in the church, and other duties in the parish. Both of these posts could be combined in one person. It also could mean that the rectory and its lands could be leased out in later periods: the vicar would have his own dwelling, originally near the church, with land and tithes to support him and the church. St Mary’s and Chalgrove Manor are the only surviving medieval buildings in Chalgrove.
Architectural evidence from the church suggests that the present building was first established during the 12th century. The earliest part is the nave. Lord Peter Boterel, then Keeper of Wallingford Castle and holder of the manor of Chalgrove, may have been responsible for its re-construction. It would have been a Romanesque church, perhaps with an apsidal end.
In the 1190s the nave was widened to create a chapel. The South Arcade (with the square capitals) was constructed to achieve this. The door at the bottom of the church tower is of c.1190. The north aisle of the church with its rounded capitals may have been added, by royal craftsmen based at Wallingford Castle, in c.1240, probably through the auspices of these wealthy local families and the patrons Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and his brother the King. Seven generations of the Barentin family were buried in the chancel.
In c 1310-1313 the chancel of the church was rebuilt with the sedilia, lavabo, painting of the chancel and stained glass windows as part of a decorative scheme behind a new rood screen. There would also have been a rood screen, with stair to the rood loft and a tympanum above. The rood screen may have been painted, red and white ochre are now visible on the south column of the chancel arch.
Documentary evidence for the church dwindles somewhat in the early decades of the 15th century. From 1402, however, two churchwardens were mentioned as being at Chalgrove for the administration of St Mary’s and Rofford church. In c 1450 the north aisle was widened, and extended eastwards to form a chantry chapel.
At the visitation in 1517-20 the chancel roof was in ruins and the churchyard was overfull. The visitation of 1530 found the Church of St Mary needing repair to the chancel walls and floors; the churchyard was not properly fenced. The church was refurbished in c 1540 when the low window in the south side of the chancel was inserted.
In 1643 the Battle of Chalgrove Field took place to the north of Chalgrove and it is probable that the church was damaged as a result of this. Churches were used for horses and troop emplacements and the tower would have been a good vantage point/look-out. The Royalist troops based at Wheatley in 1643 needed grain and other supplies and raided the surrounding area which would have included Chalgrove.
From 1660-70 the font, pulpit and chancel rails were installed and the chancel screen seen in late 19th century photographs belongs to the same period or earlier.
The church tower partially collapsed in 1726 after a storm. The upper part had to be rebuilt. The funding for the rebuild came from Rodolphus Hobbes (a major leaseholder of Christ Church land), Christ Church itself, and public subscription promoted by Hobbes. His initials RH and the date 1727 are set on the front of the steeple. Two of the bells had to be recast as a result of the collapse; this was done in 1729.
Exterior Description
The church is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar (dressed stone) facings. It has a gabled tiled roof dated to the late 19th and 20th century, which probably follows the line of the original roof.
Outside the chancel has offset buttresses and a three-light decorated east window, with two-light windows in the side walls. The chancel is a two-bay 14th-century replacement of an earlier version.
The porch is mid-15th-century with a gabled roof, top leaded window and a four-centred arched doorway with square head and indented moulded triangular spandrels. There is a drip mould below the window on the exterior. On the interior there are large wooden support beams across the door opening and further wooden roof supports. There are new wrought steel gates with full glazing and part glazed inner wooden doors.
The tower is at the west end of the Nave. The base of the tower now has the 2006-7 servery and toilet facilities with a mezzanine bellringing level reached by a metal spiral staircase. The west face of the tower has a series of windows.
Building Fabric and Features
Arch
14th Century The chancel arch is early 14th-century with cutouts to either side in the pillars where the rood screen was positioned; this was removed in the early 20th century
Historical Notes
1300 - 1350
Period Qualifier: 2
1900 - 1950
Period Qualifier: 1
Arcade
13th Century The early 13th-century north arcade has chamfered arches on circular piers with moulded and foliate capitals
Historical Notes
1200 - 1299
Period Qualifier: 2
Ceiling
19th Century The wooden ceiling of the nave and aisles consists of a four-bay collar truss roof with curved windbraces. It is all in pine and dates to the 1881-3 renovation of the church.
Historical Notes
1881 - 1883
Period Qualifier: 2
2015 - 2015
Period Qualifier: 1
The church roof woodwork was cleaned as part of the refurbishment and conservation work on the church in 2015.
Aisle
12th Century The south aisle was added in Transitional style c 1190. The half bay at the east end of the aisle was probably shortened when the chancel was built. This aisle has a crenellated parapet on the exterior that dates to the 15th century.
Historical Notes
1190 - 1190
Period Qualifier: 2
Roof
19th Century The church was restored in 1881-4 by Joseph Morris and S S Stallwood of Reading (plans for the improvements and repair by Morris and Stallwood exist in the Lambeth Palace Library). The arched brace roof dates from this time and meant that the dormer windows had to be removed. The gabled tiled roof dates to the late 19th and 20th century and probably follows the line of the original roof. The roof has stone ridge tiles with a lead sheet roof on the north aisle with timber rolled edge and rain water drains via metal hoppers and drainpipes with lead flashing.
Historical Notes
1881 - 1884
Period Qualifier: 2
Floor
Historical Notes
1881 - 1884
Period Qualifier: 1
Work to reseat the church involved reducing the floor level and any vaults which would impede this.
2016 - 2016
Period Qualifier: 1
By April 2016 the building works by Ward and Co, and the church refurbishment was complete. This has included re-tiling of the floors with like-for-like replicas of damaged Victorian tiles and stone flooring in the chancel to replace the timber floor.
Vault
Historical Notes
1881 - 1884
Period Qualifier: 1
Work to reseat the church involved reducing the floor level and any vaults which would impede this. This included the vaults of the Hobbes and Adeane families at the east end of the nave.
Vestry
Historical Notes
1955 - 1955
Period Qualifier: 1
The vestry was moved in 1955 from the north aisle to the south aisle, and a side chapel was made out of the old vestry.
Nave
12th Century The earliest part of the nave suggest that the present building was first established during the 12th Century. It is of four bays with a late 12th-century south arcade.
Historical Notes
1100 - 1199
Period Qualifier: 2
1190 - 1199
Period Qualifier: 1
In the 1190s the nave was widened to create a chapel
1981 - 1981
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1981 the west wall of the Nave and the Tower had damp-proof course and dry rot treatment; their floors were replaced with quarry tiles
Arcade
12th Century South arcade (with the square capitals) was constructed in the 1190s to create a chapel. The arcade has small pointed and roll moulded arches on circular piers with square bases and water-leaf capitals.
Historical Notes
1190 - 1199
Period Qualifier: 2
2015 - 2015
Period Qualifier: 1
The cleaning of the south arcade in 2015 revealed an oak wooden lintel near the eastern short arch of the arcade which was part of the medieval door to the rood loft. It has not been exposed
Tower (component)
The tower is at the west end of the Nave. The base of the tower now has the 2006-7 servery and toilet facilities with a mezzanine bellringing level reached by a metal spiral staircase. The west face of the tower has a series of windows. The north face of the tower has the clock, of lozenge shape with a single hand. The doorway to the tower on this face has an arch dated to c 1190; the wooden door is 18th century. There are many masons’ marks and initials on the stone quoins of the tower.
Historical Notes
1726 - 1727
Period Qualifier: 1
The church tower partially collapsed in 1726 after a storm. The upper part had to be rebuilt. The funding for the rebuild came from Rodolphus Hobbes (a major leaseholder of Christ Church land), Christ Church itself, and public subscription promoted by Hobbes. His initials RH and the date 1727 are set on the front of the steeple. Two of the bells had to be recast as a result of the collapse; this was done in 1729.
1981 - 1981
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1981 the west wall of the Nave and the Tower had damp-proof course and dry rot treatment; their floors were replaced with quarry tiles
Aisle
13th Century The north aisle of the church with its rounded capitals may have been added, by royal craftsmen based at Wallingford Castle, in c.1240, probably through the auspices of wealthy local families and the patrons Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and his brother the King
Historical Notes
1240 - 1240
Period Qualifier: 2
1450 - 1450
Period Qualifier: 1
The north aisle was widened, extended and decorated in c. 1450 to form a chantry chapel
1453 - 1453
Period Qualifier: 3
The north aisle became the chapel of St James
1980 - 1980
Period Qualifier: 1
The chancel and north aisle plastering was removed in 1980 to allow for drying out and the stonework was left exposed. The north aisle ceiling was replaced and the font raised by inserting a carved stone plinth, also in 1980.
Chancel
14th Century The chancel is a two-bay 14th-century replacement of an earlier version, with contemporary wall paintings internally. Outside the chancel has offset buttresses and a three-light decorated east window, with two-light windows in the side walls.
Historical Notes
1310 - 1313
Period Qualifier: 1
In c 1310-1313 the chancel of the church was rebuilt with the sedilia, lavabo, painting of the chancel and stained glass windows as part of a decorative scheme behind a new rood screen
1975 - 1978
Period Qualifier: 1
Restoration of the south and east walls of the chancel was made in 1975 and 1978
1980 - 1980
Period Qualifier: 1
The chancel and north aisle plastering was removed in 1980 to allow for drying out and the stonework was left exposed.
Porch
15th Century The porch is mid-15th-century with a gabled roof, top leaded window and a four-centred arched doorway with square head and indented moulded triangular spandrels. The work would have been funded by Drew Barentin as patron of the church
Historical Notes
1450 - 1450
Period Qualifier: 2
1966 - 1966
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1966 the South Porch became the main entrance for the church, and emulsion paint applied to all the interior stonework
1974 - 1974
Period Qualifier: 1
Iron gates were put in place in the south porch in 1974 to deter vandals
Gallery (ecclesiastical)
17th Century In 1694 a wooden gallery for musicians was built at the west end of the nave, lit by a dormer window in the west end of the north aisle
Historical Notes
1694 - 1694
Period Qualifier: 2
Building Materials
Oolitic Limestone
All the dressed stone in the Nave and elsewhere including all the columns, piers and mullions are of Wheatley stone from near Oxford. The exposed limestone rubble in the lower parts of the walls is of Wheatley stone and stone from the local Portland formation.
Limestone
The church is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar (dressed stone) facings. The stone is Corallian limestone from near Oxford and Reigate stone from north-east Surrey.
Ashlar
The church is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar (dressed stone) facings. The stone is Corallian limestone from near Oxford and Reigate stone from north-east Surrey.
Reigate Stone
The church is constructed of coursed limestone rubble with ashlar (dressed stone) facings. The stone is Corallian limestone from near Oxford and Reigate stone from north-east Surrey.
Lead
The roof has stone ridge tiles with a lead sheet roof on the north aisle with timber rolled edge and rain water drains via metal hoppers and drainpipes with lead flashing.
Evidences
Architectural Component
21st Century Six slots were visible during work on the conservation and refurbishment work which were remains of wooden supports for the tympanum. A wooden lintel for the door to the stair to the rood loft was also revealed by September 2015
Documentary Evidence
19th Century to 20th Century Late 19th century and 20th century photographs by Henry Taunt of the interior and exterior of St Mary’s survive, and are an invaluable record of the church at that time. Interior views show the chancel rood screen in place (so must be pre-1906), the location of the font, and the stone floor and heating ducts in the centre of the nave.
Historical Notes
1850 - 1906
Period Qualifier: 2
Documentary Evidence
19th Century to 20th Century Late 19th century and 20th century photographs by Henry Taunt of the interior and exterior of St Mary’s survive, and are an invaluable record of the church at that time. Interior views show the chancel rood screen in place (so must be pre-1906), the location of the font, and the stone floor and heating ducts in the centre of the nave.
Historical Notes
1850 - 1906
Period Qualifier: 2
Documentary Evidence
20th Century Photographs from 1923 show the chancel sedilia with tapestry/brocade in place over the seats, and possible patterns in the plaster work.
Historical Notes
1923 - 1923
Period Qualifier: 2
Documentary Evidence
20th Century There is a photograph of the Barentin brasses with the heraldic shields in place dated to 1924 (photographs in the Oxfordshire Archives Photographic Collection).
Historical Notes
1924 - 1924
Period Qualifier: 2
Architectural Component
20th Century In the 1930s Professor E W Tristram recorded the wall paintings, in a characteristically fine series of watercolours now held by the Victoria and Albert Museum (E1530 - E1540: the online catalogue entries note that Tristram signed all the paintings with the year 1913).
Historical Notes
1930 - 1939
Period Qualifier: 2
Interior
Interior Description
The chancel is a two-bay 14th-century replacement of an earlier version, with contemporary wall paintings internally. They made extensive use of lead white pigment and, unusually, a glue binder
The windows have painted detail to either side. The western (Annunciation) window in the north wall has paintings of the Archangel Gabriel to the left and the Virgin Mary to the right. It is probable that the original stained glass window here related to the story of the Annunciation.
The south wall of the chancel has a 14th-century pointed moulded priest’s door with studding and wrought iron hinges, and also a 15th-century chamfered window. The wall also contains the finely decorated piscina, sedilia and lavabo with cusped ogee heads and fluted sides.
The communion rail at the chancel entry has barley-sugar (twisted) balusters and is of 17th-century date. The chancel arch is early 14th-century with cutouts to either side in the pillars where the rood screen was positioned; this was removed in the early 20th century. The chancel arch was cleaned of 20th-century white paint and several holes were revealed which were part of the structure of the tympanum of the medieval rood screen. There are traces of medieval paint lower down on the column on the south side. Traces of wood from the rood screen are also in place on the north side of the arch.
The Nave is of four bays with a late 12th-century south arcade. This has small pointed and roll moulded arches on circular piers with square bases and water-leaf capitals. The early 13th-century north arcade has chamfered arches on circular piers with moulded and foliate capitals.
The north aisle in its original narrow form dates from c 1240. It is of three bays with three 15th-century three-light windows and an altar at the east end. The window towards the east has two 15th-century angel faces in two panes of glass. The east window has some blue glass also 15th-century. The east end of the North Aisle is now the Chapel of St James, perhaps because the church at Warpsgrove in the parish of Chalgrove had a church of St James that was not in use after 1450. The chapel was probably originally the chantry chapel of Drew Barantyn III (Barentin). There is a 15th-century wall painting on the east wall of the north aisle just to the north side of the window.
The south aisle was added in Transitional style c 1190. The half bay at the east end of the aisle was probably shortened when the chancel was built.
The south doorway that leads into the porch is c 1320 in date and has recently discovered painted detail above it. This comprises a ball trefoil pattern over a triangular detail with ball detail inside and between each raised triangle and trefoil. The pattern is also noted on the north door and north aisle windows and it is probable the motif decorated all the doors and windows in the nave.
Fixtures and fittings
Priests Door
14th Century The south wall of the chancel has a 14th-century pointed moulded priest’s door with studding and wrought iron hinges.
Historical Notes
1300 - 1399
Period Qualifier: 2
Window
15th Century The south wall of the chancel has a 15th-century chamfered window.
Historical Notes
1400 - 1499
Period Qualifier: 2
Wall Painting
15th Century There is a 15th-century wall painting on the east wall of the north aisle just to the north side of the window
Historical Notes
1400 - 1499
Period Qualifier: 2
Aumbry
13th Century There is a 13th-century aumbry (now with wooden surround, door and sanctuary light) within the aisle for the sacrament
Historical Notes
1200 - 1299
Period Qualifier: 2
Window
14th Century The east window of the south aisle is of c 1320 in date
Historical Notes
1320 - 1320
Period Qualifier: 2
1881 - 1883
Period Qualifier: 1
Restored in 1881-3 with the initials of a local man Moses Brown: MB 1883
Wall Painting
16th Century Wall painting including a 16th century zig zag panel pattern has been revealed on the walls of the porch. These appear to be borders to text.
Historical Notes
1500 - 1599
Period Qualifier: 2
Plaque (object)
18th Century Charitable bequests were made in the early 18th century in order to help poor children in Chalgrove to be apprenticed. This included £5 from the estate of Francis White in Chilworth. The details of charitable bequests are on boards in the north aisle of the church. As the recorded history shows the charity boards – which are painted canvas in a frame – are misleading. It appears that a Mr Adeane, as trustee, acquired the land in question.
Historical Notes
1700 - 1799
Period Qualifier: 2
Pew (component)
Historical Notes
1801 - 1801
Period Qualifier: 1
The churchwardens reported in 1801 that the clock, pews and church exterior were under repair.
1840 - 1840
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1840 pews were repaired and re painted, and new square pews were put in place.
1883 - 1883
Period Qualifier: 1
The pews were also refurbished in 1883 by the Froud firm from Nettlebed (inscription found inside a joint on one of the pews during the conservation work 2015-16).
Plaque (object)
19th Century Robert French Lawrence was appointed the vicar of St Mary’s Church in 1832. He married Elizabeth Coates, daughter of a farmer from Brightwell Baldwin. Rev’d Lawrence appears to have been a man who cared for his parishioners and his parish. In 1837 he asked Christ Church for help to support a school. Remarkably, he served as incumbent for 53 years until his death in 1885; he is commemorated in a plaque on the south aisle wall adjacent to the porch.
Historical Notes
1885 - 1885
Period Qualifier: 2
Pew (component)
19th Century In 1840 pews were repaired and re painted, and new square pews were put in place.
Historical Notes
1840 - 1840
Period Qualifier: 2
1883 - 1883
Period Qualifier: 1
The pews were refurbished in 1883 by the Froud firm from Nettlebed (inscription found inside a joint on one of the pews during the conservation work 2015-16).
Banner
20th Century In 1911 the Chalgrove Friendly Society Banner was deposited in the Church. The Chalgrove Friendly Society was for labourers who paid in a small sum weekly with assurance that payment would be made out in case of serious accident or death. The banner was for a yearly procession by the society on Whitsuntide Wednesday through the village after a service at the church. The banner dates from about 1840.
Historical Notes
1911 - 1911
Period Qualifier: 2
1996 - 1997
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1996 the Chalgrove Friendly Society Banner was in a very poor condition and was repaired by textile conservators Katherine Barker and Alison Chester. The banner was rehung on a new pole with supports by Chalgrove blacksmith Michael Jacques. The turret clock was serviced in June 1997
Gravestone
Historical Notes
1912 - 1912
Period Qualifier: 1
In 1912 a faculty allowed one of the Adeane ledger slabs to be removed from the aisle floor and installed as a wall memorial. This is close to the chancel arch on the south side of the nave and commemorates Robert Adeane, his mother, Susannah, and father, Simon.
Rood Screen
Historical Notes
1906 - 1906
Period Qualifier: 1
Removed and replaced with new screen
Rood Screen
20th Century Faculty permission for a new lower chancel screen and communion rail was granted in 1905. The previous chancel screen was removed in 1906.
Historical Notes
1905 - 1905
Period Qualifier: 2
Rail
20th Century Faculty permission for a new lower chancel screen and communion rail was granted in 1905.
Historical Notes
1905 - 1905
Period Qualifier: 2
Organ (component)
20th Century A pipe organ was installed in 1931 and was not new when it came to the church. It incorporated previously used material in its construction. It was by Martin and Coate of Oxford.
Historical Notes
1931 - 1931
Period Qualifier: 2
2016 - 2016
Period Qualifier: 3
It was replaced in 2016 by a digital instrument by Viscount Classical Organs.
Altar
20th Century Faculty permission for the new altar in 1952.
Historical Notes
1952 - 1952
Period Qualifier: 2
Door
12th Century The door at the bottom of the church tower is of c.1190
Historical Notes
1190 - 1190
Period Qualifier: 2
Piscina (component)
13th Century There is a 13th-century piscina and credence in the south wall, which implies that there was another altar here. The piscina, credence and triple sedilia are of a very high level of craftsmanship. It is possible that the paintings, piscina and sedilia were by royal craftsmen.
Historical Notes
1200 - 1299
Period Qualifier: 2
Rood Screen
14th Century There would also have been a rood screen, with stair to the rood loft and a tympanum above. The rood screen may have been painted, red and white ochre are now visible on the south column of the chancel arch. Now gone. The date of the medieval rood screen is unknown but it is possible it might be coeval with the early14th century wall painting and redevelopment of the church.
Historical Notes
1300 - 1399
Period Qualifier: 2
Brass
15th Century There are brasses of Thomas Barentyn dated 1402-3, Reynold (Reginald) Barentin dated 1441, and Drew Barentin III with his two wives Johanna and Beatrix dated 1446. The main part of Thomas' brass is missing - there is lettering only. The brasses were made in London workshops with the early one of a particular type and the later brasses different ‘D’ type.
Historical Notes
1402 - 1441
Period Qualifier: 2
2016 - 2016
Period Qualifier: 1
The cleaning and resetting of the brasses of members of the Barantin family in the chancel was undertaken by William Lack
Window
16th Century The church was refurbished in c 1540 when the low window in the south side of the chancel was inserted
Historical Notes
1540 - 1540
Period Qualifier: 2
Effigy
17th Century In c.1630 Maria Hall of Highmeadow, Gloucester installed the Winchcombe family Memorial in the North Aisle. [Maria is represented on the memorial]
Historical Notes
1630 - 1630
Period Qualifier: 2
Effigy
17th Century In 1668 Rev Francis Markham died and in 1671 his wife, Alicia Markham, died. The Markham memorial on the south side of the chancel was also put in place in their memory, its stone surround featuring cherubs and grotesque decoration, and a winged cherub at the base
Historical Notes
1668 - 1671
Period Qualifier: 2
Font (component)
17th Century From 1660-70 the font, pulpit and chancel rails were installed. These may have been the gift of Sir Sampson White. The cup-shaped octagonal font is towards the back (west end) of the south aisle. The bowl has carved emblems on each side under a chevron band with cup and dart detail below. The emblems include a portcullis, a fleur-de-lys, a thistle and a rose with coronet detail. The font is on a twisted spiral carved pillar over a double octagonal plinth, but was previously on a square base with bevelled corners. font may have links to Swincombe, originally owned by the Monastery of Bec and then rebuilt in the 16th century by Charles Brandon Duke of Suffolk who was married to Henry VIII’s sister Mary, the Dowager Queen of France. Both the Duke of Suffolk and Mary’s heraldic devices appear on the font, as they did on their house at Swincombe. The font has been dated to the 17th century but this may make it 16th century or, as the rim carving suggests, very much earlier. The font bowl is of Wheatley stone, the spiral stem or pillar is Stoke Ground stone, a type of Bath stone, on a base of Wheatley stone and the stone step of oolitic stone probably Stoke Ground (Powell 2016). The lower step has been removed and the font lowered to make it more accessible for christenings (Conservation and Refurbisment Project 2015-16). The font height is probably the original level of the font.
Historical Notes
1660 - 1670
Period Qualifier: 2
1980 - 1980
Period Qualifier: 1
The font raised by inserting a carved stone plinth, also in 1980
2016 - 2016
Period Qualifier: 1
The lower step has been removed and the font lowered to make it more accessible for christenings (Conservation and Refurbisment Project 2015-16).
Pulpit
17th Century From 1660-70 the font, pulpit and chancel rails were installed. These may have been the gift of Sir Sampson White. The fine Jacobean oak pulpit is slightly to the north of the chancel in the nave. It has finely carved fluted bands at the top, stylised floral and leaf carving below, and toothed arches on Doric pillars. The lower portion has recessed square panels with a double pedestal at the base. The pulpit is accessed by a series of three stairs. It has a dentilled top that supports the table-shelf for bible and other texts. No sounding board is evident
Historical Notes
1660 - 1670
Period Qualifier: 2
2015 - 2015
Period Qualifier: 1
The church roof woodwork was cleaned as part of the refurbishment and conservation work on the church in 2015, as were the oak pulpit and chancel rail.
Rail
17th Century From 1660-70 the font, pulpit and chancel rails were installed. These may have been the gift of Sir Sampson White. The communion rail at the chancel entry has barley-sugar (twisted) balusters.
Historical Notes
1660 - 1670
Period Qualifier: 2
Wall Painting
17th Century In 1692 the unique, painted, Baroque memorial to the Quatremain family was installed. This was originally on the east wall of the north chancel. It is now on the west wall of the south side of the nave. It is dated 1692 with family details painted on the cartouche in white on a dark background. The lower part has a heart-shaped motif with the words memento mori, flanked by figures holding a skull on the left, and a winged goblet in one hand and a small spade in the other on the right. There are two winged heads of angels in the two corners above the memorial inscription. There is a painted bolection-moulded pseudo-stone plinth above with a central heraldic shield of the Quatremaine family.
Historical Notes
1692 - 1692
Period Qualifier: 2
2016 - 2016
Period Qualifier: 1
cleaned and conserved as part of the Conservation and Refurbishment Project
Clock
17th Century In 1699 the clock in the church tower was installed. The date 1699 is lightly chiselled into the front left hand vertical frame bar. Originally it was a two-train movement of birdcage construction with a frame in wrought iron. It had a thirty-hour setting, the gong being on the left with anchor escapement and the hour strike on the right.
Historical Notes
1699 - 1699
Period Qualifier: 2
1801 - 1801
Period Qualifier: 1
The churchwardens reported in 1801 that the clock, pews and church exterior were under repair.
1863 - 1863
Period Qualifier: 1
The clock in the tower was modernised in about 1863 by R (probably Richard) Brown of Chalgrove, recorded as a watch and clockmaker in Chalgrove in 1831.
1995 - 1995
Period Qualifier: 1
The church clock in the tower was dismantled, overhauled in the workshop of Gillett and Johnston (Croydon) Ltd and returned in its hand-wound format in 1995
Wall Painting
14th Century The chancel features remarkable wall paintings depicting scenes from the life of the church’s dedicatee, St Mary. These include the Virgin at prayer, her relationship with the apostles, death and burial. It is possible that the paintings, piscina and sedilia were by royal craftsmen.
Historical Notes
1310 - 1313
Period Qualifier: 2
1547 - 1547
Period Qualifier: 1
Also in 1547 King Edward VI issued an injunction requiring all signs of idolatry to be removed. This could include any images or anything to do with the holy image and prayers to the Virgin Mary. Such images included wall paintings such as those St Mary’s Church, but fortunately these were simply just limewashed over rather than destroyed
1858 - 1858
Period Qualifier: 1
The wall paintings in the chancel were revealed in the summer of 1858 by workmen repairing the chancel
1930 - 1939
Period Qualifier: 1
In the 1930s Professor E W Tristram restored the chancel wall paintings at St Mary’s using a then ‘state of the art’ waxing technique. Unfortunately this did not ultimately prove beneficial to the colour, appearance and state of the paintings.
1967 - 1968
Period Qualifier: 1
Between 1967-8 further conservation work on the wall paintings was carried out by Geoffrey Pearce and John Dives of the Pilgrim Trust under the supervision of Evelyn Baker
Sedilia
14th Century The piscina, credence and triple sedilia are of a very high level of craftsmanship. It is possible that the paintings, piscina and sedilia were by royal craftsmen.
Historical Notes
1310 - 1313
Period Qualifier: 2
Lavabo
14th Century
Historical Notes
1310 - 1313
Period Qualifier: 2
Stained Glass
14th Century
Historical Notes
1310 - 1313
Period Qualifier: 2
1402 - 1402
Period Qualifier: 1
Two identical angel heads were painted on window panes about this time (c1402): later, they were placed on the outer side of the glass in the eastern window of the north aisle but one is the wrong way round
Credence
14th Century The piscina, credence and triple sedilia are of a very high level of craftsmanship. It is possible that the paintings, piscina and sedilia were by royal craftsmen.
Historical Notes
1300 - 1399
Period Qualifier: 2
Bells
Nominal: 1178.5 Hz Weight: 588 lbs Diameter: 29.75" Bell 2 of 7
Founded by Henry I Bond & Son(s) 1888
Dove Bell ID: 15100 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 1040 Hz Weight: 670 lbs Diameter: 31.75" Bell 3 of 7
Founded by Henry II Knight 1664
Dove Bell ID: 15101 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 935.5 Hz Weight: 808 lbs Diameter: 33.5" Bell 4 of 7
Founded by Henry II Knight 1664
Dove Bell ID: 15102 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 873.5 Hz Weight: 920 lbs Diameter: 35.75" Bell 5 of 7
Founded by Henry II Knight 1664
Dove Bell ID: 15103 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Nominal: 758.5 Hz Weight: 1346 lbs Diameter: 40.5" Bell 6 of 7
Founded by Abraham II Rudhall 1729
Dove Bell ID: 15104 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: eighth Cracked: No
Weight: 168 lbs Diameter: 17.5" Bell 7 of 7
Founded by Henry II Knight 1659
Dove Bell ID: 15105 Tower ID: 16218 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
A large wooden chest studded on top with the date 1674 and the initials TK and FG (possibly the church wardens at the time). The parish records would have been stored in the chest. In spite of the studded details the parish chest is dated about 1500
The parish church records started in May 1531.
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 637 965
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
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
Churchyard Structures
Gravestone
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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