St Michael's sits atop a small rise at the north end of North Waltham, surrounded by a churchyard which was full of daffodils and primroses on my visit during Holy Week.
The church was rebuilt on the site of its mediaeval predecessor in 1895-6 by the prolific Winchester architect John Colson (1820-1895), responsible for the rebuilding of several of Hampshire's churches in the 19th century. The design is a simple double cell of nave and chancel, with north aisle and porch, topped with a shingle spire.
Colson reused a number of elements from the earlier building, most notably two of the arcade arches of c. 1200, which have robust drum columns, cushion capitals and moulded bases, supporting pointed arches. The chancel is of around 1300 with some original details alongside the 19th century east window and the rather elaborately decorated replacement chancel arch, all zig-zag and dogtooth. The chancel also has a fine surviving Decorated piscina, with an elaborately crocketed gable of surprising richness. At the rear of the church is a 15th century Perpendicular font, with pretty quartrefoils - this was brought from nearby Popham.
The church is part of a united benefice with Steventon, Ashe and Deane. It hosts services services every Sunday, as well as a Messy Church for children and families, and children's holiday clubs.
St Michael's, Church Road, North Waltham, RG25 2BL
No comments:
Post a Comment