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Summary

Grade I listed redundant church. Probably built in late 12th century. Disused since 1869

Associated Legal Designations or Protected Status

• Listed Building (I) 1321841: THE OLD CHURCH

Other Statuses and Cross-References

• Berkshire SMR No. (pre 2000): 02644.02.000
  
• National Monuments Record No.: SU 37 SE 1
  SU 39059 74679
• Old Listed Building Ref (pre 1984) (B): Map No 16 9/6B The Old Church
  This is to the east of the site of the Manor House. Norman with C.15 windows. Nave and chancel only with small chapel on south side under the main roof carried down over it. This contains a fine but mutilated alabaster altar tomb to Sir Thomas Fettiplace and his wife (1447 and 1442). On the north wall of the chancel there is a recessed Purbeck altar tomb with brasses and canopy about 1520. The font is a plain Norman tub. This church except for lack of pews, is practically in an original C.16 condition.
• Primary Reference Number: 1418
  

Monument Type(s):

• CHURCH (12th century to Mid to Late 19th century - 1151 AD to 1869 AD)

Full Description

Probably built in the late 12th century. Original features probably include chancel walls, nave, north wall window, and rood loft stair light. Became a private chapel in mid 14th century. Restored and repaired 1464. Disused since 1869.
Restoration in 1975 revealed wall paintings.
Not known who it was dedicated to as late as Victorian era?
Replaced for worship by Holy Innocents Church (MWB16697), but both locked and empty by mid 20th century
Was going to be demolished (fate of Holy Innocents), but saved by the Friends of Friendless Churches <9>.

Bulmer-Thomas's 1978 guide is a comprehensive summary of the church's history and features <2>.

The revised Pevsner <16> describes it as 'The best surviving example of a small medieval church … in rural Berkshire'.

It contains the 15th century tomb of Sir Thomas Fettiplace <20>.

West Berkshire Museum has a photograph showing the church in 1997 <28>.

Sources and further reading

Related Monuments

Associated Excavations and Fieldwork

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