Building record 168/1/1 - Church of St. George

The medieval church had been built by 1147, but between 1849 and 1864 it was detroyed by fire. The church was rebuilt in 1864-5 by Henry Woodyer, though some of the monuments from the original church remain. Built of squared coursed limestone, with an artificial stone slate roof and wood shingles on the spire. The building is in early English stlyle and it consists of a chancel, nave and clerestory, aisles, transepts, south porch and west tower with broach spire.

1} Church. 1864-5 by Henry Woodyer. Squared coursed limestone, artificial stone slate roof. Wood shingles on spire. In early English style, it consists of chancel, nave and clerestory, aisles, transepts, south porch and west tower with broach spire. Inerior: Elaborate decorative carving. Aisle windows with detached shafts. Original fittings include stone pulpit and font. Marble and alabaster reredes with angel figure. Wall monument to Sir Creswell Levinz, died 1700 attributed to John Nost with over life size marble statue in judges robes and wig. Its architectual background has been removed. Wall monument to H-Glynne Brown died 1803 by R. Blore junior. Relief of mourning woman by an urn. Built for Mrs P.S. Pierrepoint of Evenley Hall as a memorial to her husband. Buildings of England: Northamptonshire.

{4} Based on dimensions given in Baker it would seem that the new church was built on the footprint of the old church. The monuments in the tower and tombs in the churchyard predate the existing church. The rood screen also appears to be medieval in date, as would the restored dado panelling around the base of the tower.

{6} Undated photo.

{10} The Advowson of the church was confirmed to the Priory of St. Mary of Huntingdon in 1147 during the reign of Stephen, and after various changes to Owen Oglethorp, presidnet of Magdalen College, Oxford. There is some doubt as to whether the church is dedicated to St. Gregory or St. george, for authorities disagree. One report states that in the reign of Edward III during the 14th century 'William de Aletre gave rents to the Chaplain of the church of St. Gregory at Evenley. Between the years 1849 and 1864 the building was destroyed by fire. At the time the church had hay stored within and as not being used for services.

{12} The old church "was dedicated to St. Gregory and consisted of a low tower containing three bells, south aisle, north and south trancepts, south proch and chancel. The south trancet and chancel had lancet windows. The nave was divided from the aisle by three octangular pillars with capitals of plain mouldings. To one pillar was attached a plain circular font. In south wall of chancel was a tre-foil headed piscina. In 1333 a chantry was founded in honour of the Virgin Mary of All Saints by Wm. De Apeltre."

{13} The church of St George was rebuilt in 1865. Some of the monuments from the original church, including a statue of c 1700, remain in the church.

{14} Photographs of old church demolished 1864, also drawings of wall paintings on north wall of nave over the arcade in old church, destroyed when church demolished;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 6/71 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), F01 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN45262.

<3> Pevsner N.; Cherry B., 1973, The Buildings of England: Northamptonshire, p.209-10 (unchecked) (Series). SNN1320.

<4> Bristow A., 2000, St George's Church, Evenley, (checked) (Correspondence). SNN101170.

<5> J. Alan Bristow and Partner, 2000, St George's Church, Evenley, (checked) (Plan). SNN101169.

<6> Photographs of buildings in Evenley (Photographs). SNN111813.

<7> Glynne S., 1859, Church Notes of Sir Stephen Glynne, (unchecked) (Manuscript). SNN39492.

<9> The Victoria History of the Counties of England: Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Series). SNN10247.

<10> 1983, Notes On Past And Present Parish Church Of Evenley, Northants, (checked) (Notes). SNN101172.

<11> Bridges J., 1791, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.166-68 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77325.

<12> Baker G., 1830, The History and Antiquities of Northamptonshire, p.615-16 (unchecked) (Book). SNN77327.

<13> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, MHLG list Brackley Rural District, 1955 (Report). SNN112993.

<14> Dryden H.E.L., 1842-1895, Dryden Collection, DR/25/104/1,2,3 (Archive). SNN115.

Record last edited

Dec 17 2024 9:34AM