Bell 1 of 4
Founded by E D 1622
Dove Bell ID: 59653 Tower ID: 23285 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Shanklin: St Blasius
Diocese of Portsmouth
Church, 629147
Overview
Grid reference: SZ 578 805
The church of St. Blasius (or St. John the Baptist) likely dates from the Twelfth Century. From the very beginning, the alternative dedications were recorded. Much of the church as we now see it dates from the time of major rebuilding in the Mid-19th Century.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 332 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
The church of St. Blasius (or St. John the Baptist) dates from the twelfth century. From the very beginning, the alternative dedications were recorded.
By the fourteenth century, the records (Calendar of Patent Rolls) indicate that St. Blaise was the saint of the Lisle family sanctuary within the church. When the chapel was first presented for institution, the King (Edward III) as custodian of the land had the living in his gift.
In the intervening centuries, the chapel of St. Blasius remained under the patronage of the Lords of the Manor. It was connected to Bonchurch by various appointments of Rector and Clerk, although in 1519 the Rector was instituted on the same day but separately to Bonchurch and Shanklin, and in 1558 the chapel is referred to as "the free chapel of St. Blaze with the parish of Brading".
It is in the eighteenth century that the parish registers record the first baptism, the first marriage and the first recorded burial of a rector.
It seems that the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Civil War, Protectorate and Restoration, the 1688 revolution and other major upheavals in national affairs had only incidental effects on the Shanklin Chapel.
In the early years of the nineteenth century, the Shanklin chapel proceeded much as it had done for most of its existence, though the recorded baptisms and marriages were more frequent.
The railway came in 1864, the result of the growing popularity of Shanklin and a cause of further growth of the town. By then the transformation of the church had happened, the work starting in 1852. The original, probably aisle less, chapel had been lengthened westward, the north and south transepts were added and, with the roof being raised some five to six feet, a bell turret constructed at the intersection.
Building Materials
Sandstone
13th Century
Glauconitic
Sandstone
13th Century
Sandstone
Interior
Interior Description
The visitor coming into the church by the main South door will immediately notice the font, the pulpit and the cruciform shape of the building. The shape dates from the mid-19th century rebuilding when the North and South transepts were added with the Baptistery (now the Parish Room), and the old chapel was elongated to the West, where the organ loft is now.
The main window in the South transept is a memorial window given in memory of Francis White-Popham who died in February 1894, by his widow, Margaret. This depicts the resurrection appearance of Jesus to Mary Magdalene.
The East window, over the altar, depicts the angel telling the shepherds of the birth of Jesus.
The window in the North transept depicts Jesus and his disciples at the Sea of Galilee.
Bells
Nominal: 2475 Hz Weight: 112 lbs Diameter: 16" Bell 2 of 4
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1956
Dove Bell ID: 63386 Tower ID: 23285 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1666 Hz Weight: 105 lbs Diameter: 17.5" Bell 3 of 4
Founded by Gillett & Johnston
Dove Bell ID: 63387 Tower ID: 23285 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Bell 4 of 4
Founded by John Warner & Sons 1856
Dove Bell ID: 63388 Tower ID: 23285 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: SZ 578 805
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.
Churchyard Structures
Lych Gate
1894
Given by the residents of Shanklin in 1894 as a memorial to Francis White-Popham, the last resident Lord of the Manor.
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
Submit a change
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