Nominal: 832 Hz Weight: 1174 lbs Diameter: 38.94" Bell 1 of 8
Founded by Robert Catlin 1746
Dove Bell ID: 1331 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Canterbury: St Stephen
Diocese of Canterbury
Church, 606055
Overview
Grid reference: TR 148 591
St Stephen’s is the parish church of what was once a separate village a short distance outside the city limits, but by the 20th century became a suburb of Canterbury. The earliest reference to it dates from the 12th century, when it is referred to as the Chapel of Hackington. In origin, it is a cruciform Norman church, as shown by the herringbone masonry in the south wall of the nave, south portal and arches to the north and south transepts.
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 473 m²
Description of Archaeology and History
In origin, it is a cruciform Norman church, as shown by the herringbone masonry in the south wall of the nave, south portal and arches to the north and south transepts. In the 13th century, the westernmost bay of nave was remodelled to form a bell tower, which is oblong in plan. A transverse wall, with only a small archway, was inserted at the west of the nave, leaving the south doorway hard up against it.
The 2 chancel was rebuilt during the 13th century, as shown by the form of the rere-arches, but substantially remodelled in the late 14th century, when it was refenestrated with early Perpendicular tracery. The north transept had previously been remodelled in early 14th century with unusual Decorated tracery in the north wall. The belfry stage was added to the west tower in the 15th century, when the south porch was also constructed and the fine, five-light east window inserted in the chancel. The timber structure of the pyramidal roof with its hexagonal spirelet is late 15th/early 16th century.
The celebrated judge Sir Roger Manwood (1525-1592) was given the lands and revenue of Hackington in 1563, and took up residence at Place House. He restored the church, which was evidently in a state of some disrepair, and the roofs may well date from this period.
At some point between 1845 and 1857, stained glass with figures of Christ and the Evangelists by Thomas Willement (1786-1871) was installed in the east window.
In 1896, a new coving and gallery were added to the 16th century rood screen, which had been badly mutilated in the 19th century.
In 1971 a lower floor was inserted in the tower. The current organ dates from 1964 and was made by F.H. Browne.
Exterior Description
In origin, it is a cruciform Norman church, as shown by the herringbone masonry in the south wall of the nave, south portal and arches to the north and south transepts. There are fine late 12th century portals, one to the south (now enclosed in a later porch) and one in the west wall, remodelled to incorporate a pointed arch. There are also surviving round-headed windows from this period in the south wall of the nave.
Interior
Bells
Nominal: 1676 Hz Weight: 381 lbs Diameter: 24.38" Bell 2 of 8
Founded by Charles & George Mears 1844
Dove Bell ID: 14607 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1572 Hz Weight: 378 lbs Diameter: 24.81" Bell 3 of 8
Founded by Charles & George Mears 1844
Dove Bell ID: 14608 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1396 Hz Weight: 476 lbs Diameter: 27.13" Bell 4 of 8
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1971
Dove Bell ID: 14609 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1248 Hz Weight: 602 lbs Diameter: 27.25" Bell 5 of 8
Founded by Robert Catlin 1746
Dove Bell ID: 14610 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1111.5 Hz Weight: 563 lbs Diameter: 30.75" Bell 6 of 8
Founded by Mears & Stainbank 1902
Dove Bell ID: 14611 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Nominal: 1044 Hz Weight: 686 lbs Diameter: 31.94" Bell 7 of 8
Founded by Whitechapel Bell Foundry 1971
Dove Bell ID: 14612 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: unturned Cracked: No
Nominal: 936 Hz Weight: 966 lbs Diameter: 35.63" Bell 8 of 8
Founded by Robert Catlin 1746
Dove Bell ID: 14613 Tower ID: 13702 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: turned Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TR 148 591
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 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.
| Name | Status | Number found in this site |
|---|---|---|
| Indian bean | Veterantree | 1 |
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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