Diameter: 20.5" Bell 1 of 2
Founded by Thomas I Mears 1798
Dove Bell ID: 52203 Tower ID: 19083 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Chatham: St John the Divine
Diocese of Rochester
Church, 631286
https://www.facebook.com/St-Johns-on-Tap-220267905449795/This church is on the Heritage at Risk Register (verified 2025-11-06)
View more information about this church on the Heritage at Risk website
Overview
Grid reference: TQ 756 678
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Ground plan:
The church consists of chancel, north and south vestries, nave with north and south galleries, west entrance flanked by stair halls and west tower.
Dimensions:
Chancel 2.2m by 6.7m, nave 27.9m by 19m, width of galleries 5m, entrance 3.4m by 3.9m, stair halls 3.4m by 4.9m.
Footprint of Church buildings: 725 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
In December 1888 a public meeting under the chairmanship of the Archdeacon of Rochester resolved to start a subscription to build an additional place of public worship in the Parish of Chatham and also to apply for funds from the Commissioners of the Church Building Act 1888. The church was designed by Robert Smirke and built in 1819-21 by a firm called Siddon & Sons. The cost of the work was ,14,157 of which the Commissioners contributed ,13,797. A short chancel designed by G. M. Hills was added in 1863 and the church was reordered to give space for a choir in the nave. The present vestries were built in 1905.
Exterior Description
The exterior is heavy and uncompromising with the minimum of detail. The side elevations are of seven bays with square windows below and taller round headed windows above. The south elevation has a central doorway and a shallow porch, an addition of 1905. The end bays are slightly forward of the rest and the elevations are famed horizontally by a simple plinth and entablature with three plain platbands between. Set back at the west is an entrance pavilion that is treated in the same way as the sides. It is one bay deep and three bays wide. The central bay is set forward slightly and the main entrance has a moulded architrave and a flat hood on brackets. The side doors are smaller and with out hoods. Above the central bay is a square tower. The pedestal is plain except for clock faces on the south and west sides. The upper stage has round headed openings framed by twin pilasters and an entablature all in the simplest Tuscan Doric style. At the east is the shallow chancel added in 1863. It has a pediment and entablature carried on twin pilasters. The east window is Venetian in form but with additional circular lights set in a radial pattern.
Building Fabric and Features
Chancel
19th century
Vestry
19th century north
Vestry
19th century south
Nave
19th century
Gallery (ecclesiastical)
19th century north
Gallery (ecclesiastical)
19th century south
Tower (component)
19th century west
Building Materials
Brick
19th century walls
Kentish Ragstone
19th century coursed block facing
Limestone
19th century dressings
Wood
19th century window frames and interior galleries
Iron
19th century window frames
Slate
19th century grey, roofing
Interior
Interior Description
The interior of the church remains very much as it was after the reordering of 1864 when the sanctuary was added, a choir introduced at the east, the body of the church furnished with new pews and the gallery cut back at the west. Much of the original interior does however remain. The side elevations and the arrangement at the west with a central entrance lobby flanked by stair-halls are unaltered. As are the north and south sides of the gallery complete with fluted Doric columns. Other additions are the organ of 1877, and the screens on the east ends of the gallery, the pulpit and the present vestries under the gallery and flanking the choir all of 1905-6.
Fixtures and fittings
Altar
19th century In chancel, framed pine table with incised crosses. In north chapel, oak with three fielded panels and pilasters at the corners. In south chapel, oak with moulded top and three blind panels decorated with tracery patterns.
Reredos
19th century The reredos was introduced in 1867 when the chancel was built. It is elaborate in designe and built of two types of marble, painted and inlayed with mosaic. It consists of three rectangular panels separated by angles supporting a heavy classical cornice. The central panel is inlayed in gold mosaic with the I.H.S. monogram picked out in blue.
Pulpit
20th century The pulpit was a gift from St. Paul's Beckenham in 1905. It is made of stone and square in form. The three faces are carved with circles containing quatrefoils and the I.H.S. monogram. The bowl tapers to a square stem.
Lectern
19th century The lectern is made of brass with red enamel on the stem. It has a book slope supported on a circular stem decorated with a volute capital and moulded rings. The foot is cone shaped and stands on an octagonal stone plinth with splayed sides.
Font (component)
19th century The font is made of limestone and may well be of 1821. It is circular in form and consists of a bowl with a moulded lip on a substantial baluster embellished with swags of vines. The plinth is square. The octagonal cover is made of wood and has brass strap work and a ring handle.
Stained Glass (window)
19th / 20th century The east window dates from 1868 and was made by Alexander Gibbs. The central theme is the Crucifixion and this is flanked by the symbols of the Evangelists. It is in memory of John Foord J.P. and his wife Rebekah. South aisle, s IV, the Annunciation by Lavers & Westlake, London 1892. In memory of Charles Johnson. South aisle, s V, the visit of the Magi, in memory of Elizabeth Mary Laycock d.1879. South aisle, s VI, Simon with the child Jesus, in memory of Matthew Spray Stephens d.1891 and Anne his wife d.1878. South aisle, s VII, Jesus in the temple, in memory of George Robbins Viney (Mayor of Chatham) d.1913.
Inscribed Object
19th century North gallery, east wall, white marble tablet with female mourner, urn and reversed torches, in memory of David John Day d.1839 and David George (son) d.1875. South wall below gallery: White marble tablet, in memory of George White d.1834.
Plaque (component)
19th / 20th century Metal plaque on wooden ground, in honour of all members of the R.A.S.C. who served in Chatham 1872-1965. Metal plaque, in memory of Rev. Alexander Joseph & wife, 1926. Metal plaque on wooden ground, Mons to Ypres 1914, in memory of the Old Contemptibles, Aug. to Nov. 1914. Bronze plaque on wooden ground, Roll of Honour 1914-18, St. John's Mens Club.
Organ (component)
19th century The organ dates from 1877 and was built by Bevington and Sons of Soho. London at a cost of £500. It had two manuals and 23 stops. The organ was rebuilt and enlarged by Osmond's of Taunton in 1957 and a new console provided in the choir stalls.
Pew (component)
19th century The pews are made of pine and the stalls are painted, both have vertically boarded backs and ends carved with scrolls.
Stall
19th century The pews are made of pine and the stalls are painted, both have vertically boarded backs and ends carved with scrolls.
Rail
19th century In chancel, oak rails with an opening in the centre. Each section has three rectangular posts with scroll brackets and a moulded top rail. The posts are carved with symbols of the Passion. In north chapel, one section of simple framed oak rail.
Cross
19th century Small marble Celtic cross in north chapel.
Bells
Diameter: 30.5" Bell 2 of 2
Founded by Thomas II Mears 1820
Dove Bell ID: 52204 Tower ID: 19083 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TQ 756 678
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.
The churchyard is closed for burial by order in council.
The date of the burial closure order is 11/12/1854
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
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