St Clement's Church, Knowlton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Clement's Church, Knowlton |
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St Clement's Church, Knowlton, from the southeast
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| OS grid reference | TR 281 534 |
| Location | Knowlton, Kent |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Website | Churches Conservation Trust |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Redundant |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 11 October 1963 |
| Architect(s) | William White (restoration) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic, Gothic Revival |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Flint, tiled roofs |
St Clement's Church is an old Anglican church in the village of Knowlton, Kent, England. It is no longer used for regular church services, which is why it is called a "redundant" church. This church is a very important historical building. It is listed as a Grade I building, meaning it has special historical or architectural importance. The Churches Conservation Trust looks after it. The church stands on the grounds of Knowlton Court.
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History of St Clement's Church
St Clement's Church was built a very long time ago, sometime between the 14th and 15th centuries. It started as a private chapel for the people living at Knowlton Court. Later, it became a parish church, serving the local community.
In 1855, the church was "restored" by an architect named William White. This means he repaired and updated parts of the church. Most of the windows you see today were added during this restoration. Since December 1, 1991, the Churches Conservation Trust has been responsible for the church. It is open every day for visitors to explore.
Exploring the Church's Design
The church is built using flint stones and has a roof made of tiles. It has a simple design, with two main parts: the nave (the main area where people sit) and the chancel (the area near the altar). At the back of the church, on the west side, there is a small tower called a bellcote where bells would have been.
You can see cross-shaped decorations called finials on the tops of the gables (the triangular parts of the roof) and on the bellcote. Strong supports called buttresses are built into the corners of the church and where the nave and chancel join. On the outside west wall, there is a clock face.
Inside the Church
Inside, the ceiling is curved and covered in plaster, like a half-barrel. This is called a barrel roof. On the east wall, there is a piscina, which is a basin used for washing sacred vessels, and two niches, which are small alcoves in the wall.
The pulpit, where sermons are given, looks like it's from the 17th century, but it was probably made in the 20th century. It has eight sides and is decorated with arched panels and a fancy pattern called a strapwork frieze. The baptismal font (used for baptisms), the special box pews (enclosed seats), the large hanging light fixture called a corona lucis, and two reading desks were all added in the 19th century.
Monuments and Artworks
Above the north door, you can see the carved and painted royal arms of King Charles II. These are like a special symbol of the king. In the chancel, there is a hatchment, which is a diamond-shaped painting displayed after someone important has died.
The beautiful stained glass windows were made in the 1850s and 1860s by a company called Lavers, Barraud and Westlake. The church also has memorials to the families who lived at Knowlton Court, including the Peyton Baronets. Later, the Narborough family lived there.
There is a special memorial for Admiral Sir John Narborough, who passed away in 1688. It also remembers his sons, John and James, who died in a terrible shipwreck off the Scilly Islands in 1707 along with their stepfather, Admiral Sir Cloudesley Shovell. This memorial is thought to have been created by the famous sculptor Grinling Gibbons.
Outside the Church Grounds
The wall around the churchyard is also very old. Parts of it were built in the early 18th century, and other parts in the early 20th century. It is also listed as a Grade II building. The wall is made of red brick and has simple wrought iron gates. On top of the gate posts, there are round ball-shaped decorations.
See also
