Farley Hill: St John the Evangelist
Overview
Grid reference: SU 750 644
A Victorian village church of red brick, with an unusual bell turret on the south “show” side. This is a relatively simple but bold design with some idiosyncratic features, notably the deep sweep of the roofs. In terms of architectural style this is simple Early English, with lancets employed throughout, one to each bay, with a stepped 3-light at the east end and a 4-light to the west. The church was built on a previously wooded site in 1890-2 donated by the Brooks family of Farley Hall. It was designed by G Truefitt and cost ₤1,535, a tidy sum for such a small estate church.
Visiting and facilities
Building is closed for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
4-bay nave with south porch, chancel with south vestry and bell turret.
Dimensions:
Nave 17m long, 8m wide.
Description of Archaeology and History
The church was built on a previously wooded site in 1890-2 donated by the Brooks family of Farley Hall. It was designed by G Truefitt. The site has no known archaeological potential although Neolithic implements and Roman material have been found near Swallowfield.
Exterior Description
This is a relatively simple but bold design with some idiosyncratic features, notably the deep sweep of the roofs and the almost rocket-like octagonal bell turret, with a steeply sloped spirelet and hipped and canted vestry roof. In terms of architectural style this simple Early English, with lancets employed throughout, one to each bay, with a stepped 3-light at the east end and a 4-light to the west. The vestry has a 4-light rectangular south window and plain doorway adjacent. Simple gabled porch.
Building Fabric and Features
Nave
19th century 4-bay nave
Porch
19th century south porch
Chancel
19th century
Vestry
19th century south vestry
Bellcote
19th century bell turret
Building Materials
Brick
19th century red brick building
Stone
19th century freestone dressings
Slate
19th century slate roofs
Interior
Interior Description
The interior is plain, but perhaps deliberately so with touches of quality within a well articulated space, under the span of an impressively broad waggon roof. The nave is still fully pewed with plain but attractive pine benches, similar choir stalls. Tripartite pointed chancel arch carried on columns, another unusual feature. The chancel beyond has a glazed wooden screen to the vestry on the south side. Gabled, intricately carved stone reredos, and carving to capitals and corbels. The sanctuary has an encaustic tiled floor, otherwise all floors are under carpet.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
19th century Oak altar table. Attractive frontal, local manufacture.
Reredos
19th century Limestone, with four crocketed gables and tracery panels with praying angels in niches.
Lectern
19th century wooden reading desk
Font (component)
19th century Stone octagonal font with 'ihs' and other motifs carved on the bowl panels.
Stained Glass (window)
19th century East window dedicated in memory of John Brooks MP of Farley Hill Court, died 1886. It depicts scenes from Christ’s ministry and the Crucifixion.
Organ (component)
19th century Small one-manual pipe organ by Walker, probably 1892.
Plaque (component)
20th century Brass plaque with names of the fallen in WWI.
Portable Furnishings and Artworks
Registers from 1892
Churchyard
Grid reference: SU 750 644
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
Sources
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