Church Of St Mary

HALE HALE PARK SU 11 NE 6/70 Church of St Mary 30.9.64 GV I

Parish church. Of medieval origins, rebuilt early C17 and early C18 by T Archer, reroofed C19. Originally rubble flint and stone, first encased in coursed iron- stone, then ends rebuilt in Portland stone and similar dressings added, old plain tile roof. Original church, chancel and nave, encased early C17, then transepts added early C18 to form cruciform church, reroofed C19 with bellcote on north transept. Chancel has to E end ashlar facade of central arched window with large keystone end imposts which carry across to corner pilasters. Below it tall segmental-headed blind opening, above it rectangular similar. Building has Doric corner pilasters. Plain entablature and C19 tall plastered gable with 2-light round headed tracery. At junction with transepts similar pilasters. End of transepts have central doorways of moulded pilasters for jambs, supporting moulded capitals to moulded arch with oversized keystone, and rising outside arch each side volute like console, over moulded hood and lunette window. To north transept double door and fanlight, to south blind opening. Each side high-set rectangular window. Similar pilasters and gable. Above north transept square timber bellcote with hipped lead roof and bell. Pilasters at junction with nave. On sides of nave rectangular windows with C19 2-light roundheaded tracery. West end similar to transepts but plainer. Inside in chancel stained glass by Mayer of Munich. In south transept monuments: 1743 to T Archer by P Scheemakers, black, grey and white marble, effigy of Archer reclining on sarcophagus, mounted on inscribed plinth, women each side: 1768 to H Archer, by J Wilson, of woman standing by urn on high plinth with portrait medallion. On nave floor brass, 1600 to Sir J Penruddock. On wall monument 1796 to J May designed by J Wyatt, carved by R Westmacott, slender urn on square base with ram's heads at corners. Round walls stone benches. C19 boarded roof and furnishings. At west is medieval circular font on square base with early C17 carved band. VCH; Vol 4; 1911; p578. Buildings of England; Pevsner; 1966; p263-4.

Listing NGR: SU1794718577