Picture of the Norman Church, Wherwell, 1830
The detailed history of the Saxon Church of the Holy Cross at Wherwell, founded by Queen Elfrida in AD 986, is to be found in a booklet on sale in Wherwell Church. The text below has been extracted from this booklet.
The present building is an excellent example of mid- nineteenth century gothic revival where both the stone work and the timber are simple in style and free from the excessive decoration so often found in later Victorian Churches. It is of course a replacement of an ancient building, small pieces of which have been preserved as described later.
The massive stone corbels at the west wall and the heavy capitals to the drum’ columns in the nave, together with the broad flat undersides to the arches are typical, but they do not overpower – as with both the plain walling above and the delicate roof corbels the height of the central section of the Church is enhanced.
The timber roof is slender and yet at the same time, beautifully constructed to give a sturdy and workmanlike appearance and the Choir roof is in fine hammer beam style. The separate internal support to the timber belfry tower is unusual in its Swiss style but is an entirely acceptable intrusion and as a piece of functional architecture is of interest.
The use of the entrance from the Choir to the Vestry is again an excellent example of early Victorian treatment, where a delightful effect has been gained by the use of a colonnade of cusped arches to support the wide opening; the result is entirely pleasing and delicate, the plain columns with thirteenth century style capitals and fifteenth century plinths working in perfect harmony.
Viewed from the east end of the Church the detached columns frame the west window with great effect.
Date of coverage
1830Place
Wherwell ChurchLanguage
EnglishReference number
AQ21542Storage location
OneDriveFormat
Area
Subject
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