St. Mary's Church, Hanwell
Encyclopedia
St Mary's Parish Church is a Church of England
church. Situated at the western end of Church Road in Hanwell
, London
W7 3BJ. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is still in active use today.
valley, it is the perfect site for a parish church. No 'hard' archaeological evidence has been found so far, to show that any church existed here earlier than shown in written records. However, due to its commanding topographical
position, which enables the distinctive broach spire
to be seen from many miles away, it has been suggested that this may have been a pagan
place of worship long before Christianity
reached this part of the world. There is however, no evidence to support this theory. An early supporter of this hypothesis
was Sir Montagu Sharpe KC DL, a local historian and a member of the Society of Antiquaries
. In nearby Northolt
, the parish church of St. Mary, which is also on high ground, has had much evidence found around it of past occupation by the Beaker people. Historians have further suggested that a Roman villa may have once occupied the site of that church. These two elevated sites along with nearby St. Mary's, Harrow on the Hill
and Castle Bar, all being clearly visible to each other, would have been natural places for people to congregate, whatever their beliefs.
Sharpe also pointed out, other possible evidence of the parishes pre-Christian origins. The field boundaries of Hanwell, (the hedges of which, have since been mostly grubbed out), were roughly of the same measurements and orientation of the Roman 'limes' or land divisions. Even more tantalizing he observed: that at exactly the north east corner stood the gate and path of Perivale
's parish church of St. Mary's. Had these hedges still been in existence today, it would have been possible to perform an accurate statistical analysis of the field lines to determine the probability against pure chance that these fields were laid out by Roman surveyors.
It is possible that the first church to be built at this place in Hawell was in the time of St. Dunstan
around 954 AD but records are sparse and inconclusive. The first firm evidence of a church here, is for the mid 12th century when it was the mother church for the ancient parish, of these parts, which in those days extended further south, down to the river Thames at what is now called New Brentford.
building becoming too small for the growing population. Therefore, a decision was made to replace it with a new and larger church. Architect George Gilbert Scott
won the commission for the design. The Gothic style of architecture was enjoying a revival and so Scott used Gothic arches and flint walls with white bricks quoin
s. A notable and widely visible landmark from its high elevation, the bell tower, at the south west end, is topped with a broach spire
. It was consecrated by Charles James Blomfield
the Bishop of London
on 27 April 1842.
This was one of Scott's early attempts at designing churches and one that he came not to be happy with; describing it later as a mass of horrors. He came to realise that it was something of a mistake not to have a chancel. However, a chancel and a second vestry (by W. Pywell) were added in 1898.
The famous painter William Frederick Yeames
, (who at one time was its churchwarden), is then thought to have done the wall paintings in the chancel
.
The design depicts the Nativity
, Crucifixion
and Resurrection
.
has given it a Grade II listing.
The great reformer Jonas Hanway
who was buried here in the crypt on September 13, 1786 has his memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey instead.
Behind the pulpit the is a fine memorial to Margaret Emma Orde, wife to Sir John Orde, 1st Baronet
. It is sculptured by van Gilder who often worked with Robert Adam
.
At the western end on the south side is a bronze bust of the missionary Rev. Alec Field. He was on the ship RMV Falaba
when it was torpedoed by German U-boat U-28 in 1915 and he was numbered amongst the 140 lost souls.
Alice Wait, a fellow missionary, has given an account of the warning, attack and sinking and of the last time she saw Rev. Fields. This brought America into the war and became remembered as the Thrasher incident
.
Inside the church in the north east corner is a plaque to commemorate Bombardier Billy Wells. He was an English heavyweight boxer but remembered today as the man striking the gong
at the start of each film released by the Rank Organisation
. He was often to be seen on the local golf course and his ashes now rest in the crypt.
described it thus: “a peach of an early c19 Gothic
thatched cottage with two pointed windows, a quatrefoil
, and an ogee
arched door, all on a minute scale. Inside, an octagonal hall and reception room”. Tragically, four years after his second marriage, he found himself in dire financial straits. These troubles were thought to have weighed so heavily upon him, that whilst his mind was deranged with worry, he hanged himself at an inn in London on October 30th 1809.
Rev. Derwent Coleridge
(instituted March 7th 1864) was also a distinguished scholar and author. His father was Samuel Taylor Coleridge
who was one of the Lake poets
. In order to meet the spiritual needs of the growing population of the parish he established St. Mark's Church on the corner of Green Lane and the Lower Boston Road. This building still stands but has since been converted into flats.
In latter years another well-known rector was Fred Secombe
(brother of Harry Secombe
). He arrived March 9th 1969. By the time of his departure he had already been mentioned on several national news reports. Since leaving and moving back to Wales
, he has become a prolific author.
. Little wonder then, that the following have been filmed there:
Church of England
The Church of England is the officially established Christian church in England and the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The church considers itself within the tradition of Western Christianity and dates its formal establishment principally to the mission to England by St...
church. Situated at the western end of Church Road in Hanwell
Hanwell
Hanwell is a town situated in the London Borough of Ealing in west London, between Ealing and Southall. The motto of Hanwell Urban District Council was Nec Aspera Terrent...
, London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
W7 3BJ. Dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, it is still in active use today.
History
Built upon the highest point in Hanwell and providing a commanding view out over the River BrentRiver Brent
The Brent is a river within Greater London which is a tributary of the River Thames. It is 17.9 miles long, running north-east to south-west, and it joins the Thames on the Tideway at Brentford, Hounslow.- Hydronymy and etymology :...
valley, it is the perfect site for a parish church. No 'hard' archaeological evidence has been found so far, to show that any church existed here earlier than shown in written records. However, due to its commanding topographical
Topography
Topography is the study of Earth's surface shape and features or those ofplanets, moons, and asteroids...
position, which enables the distinctive broach spire
Broach spire
A broach spire is a type of spire, a tall pyramidal or conical structure usually on the top of a tower or a turret. A broach spire starts on a square base and is carried up to a tapering octagonal spire by means of triangular faces....
to be seen from many miles away, it has been suggested that this may have been a pagan
Paganism
Paganism is a blanket term, typically used to refer to non-Abrahamic, indigenous polytheistic religious traditions....
place of worship long before Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
reached this part of the world. There is however, no evidence to support this theory. An early supporter of this hypothesis
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a proposed explanation for a phenomenon. The term derives from the Greek, ὑποτιθέναι – hypotithenai meaning "to put under" or "to suppose". For a hypothesis to be put forward as a scientific hypothesis, the scientific method requires that one can test it...
was Sir Montagu Sharpe KC DL, a local historian and a member of the Society of Antiquaries
Society of Antiquaries of London
The Society of Antiquaries of London is a learned society "charged by its Royal Charter of 1751 with 'the encouragement, advancement and furtherance of the study and knowledge of the antiquities and history of this and other countries'." It is based at Burlington House, Piccadilly, London , and is...
. In nearby Northolt
Northolt
Northolt is a town in the London Borough of Ealing, England. The town has London Underground and Network Rail stations and is on the A40 road...
, the parish church of St. Mary, which is also on high ground, has had much evidence found around it of past occupation by the Beaker people. Historians have further suggested that a Roman villa may have once occupied the site of that church. These two elevated sites along with nearby St. Mary's, Harrow on the Hill
St. Mary's, Harrow on the Hill
St Mary's, Harrow on the Hill is the Borough and Parish Church at Harrow on the Hill. Lanfranc, Archbishop of Canterbury, began the construction of a church on this site in 1087. He died in 1089...
and Castle Bar, all being clearly visible to each other, would have been natural places for people to congregate, whatever their beliefs.
Sharpe also pointed out, other possible evidence of the parishes pre-Christian origins. The field boundaries of Hanwell, (the hedges of which, have since been mostly grubbed out), were roughly of the same measurements and orientation of the Roman 'limes' or land divisions. Even more tantalizing he observed: that at exactly the north east corner stood the gate and path of Perivale
Perivale
Perivale is a small suburb in the London Borough of Ealing, west of Charing Cross, central London. Landmarks in the suburb include the A40, a large road that connects Central London with the M40 motorway, and the large Art Deco Hoover Building, as well as St Mary's Church , the River Brent and...
's parish church of St. Mary's. Had these hedges still been in existence today, it would have been possible to perform an accurate statistical analysis of the field lines to determine the probability against pure chance that these fields were laid out by Roman surveyors.
It is possible that the first church to be built at this place in Hawell was in the time of St. Dunstan
Dunstan
Dunstan was an Abbot of Glastonbury Abbey, a Bishop of Worcester, a Bishop of London, and an Archbishop of Canterbury, later canonised as a saint. His work restored monastic life in England and reformed the English Church...
around 954 AD but records are sparse and inconclusive. The first firm evidence of a church here, is for the mid 12th century when it was the mother church for the ancient parish, of these parts, which in those days extended further south, down to the river Thames at what is now called New Brentford.
The Victorian Church
Despite a gallery being built in 1823 the old GeorgianGeorgian architecture
Georgian architecture is the name given in most English-speaking countries to the set of architectural styles current between 1720 and 1840. It is eponymous for the first four British monarchs of the House of Hanover—George I of Great Britain, George II of Great Britain, George III of the United...
building becoming too small for the growing population. Therefore, a decision was made to replace it with a new and larger church. Architect George Gilbert Scott
George Gilbert Scott
Sir George Gilbert Scott was an English architect of the Victorian Age, chiefly associated with the design, building and renovation of churches, cathedrals and workhouses...
won the commission for the design. The Gothic style of architecture was enjoying a revival and so Scott used Gothic arches and flint walls with white bricks quoin
Quoin (architecture)
Quoins are the cornerstones of brick or stone walls. Quoins may be either structural or decorative. Architects and builders use quoins to give the impression of strength and firmness to the outline of a building...
s. A notable and widely visible landmark from its high elevation, the bell tower, at the south west end, is topped with a broach spire
Broach spire
A broach spire is a type of spire, a tall pyramidal or conical structure usually on the top of a tower or a turret. A broach spire starts on a square base and is carried up to a tapering octagonal spire by means of triangular faces....
. It was consecrated by Charles James Blomfield
Charles James Blomfield
Charles James Blomfield was a British divine, and a Church of England bishop for 32 years.-Early life:Blomfield was born in Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk and educated at the local grammar school and at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he won the Browne medals for Latin and Greek odes, and the Craven...
the Bishop of London
Bishop of London
The Bishop of London is the ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of London in the Province of Canterbury.The diocese covers 458 km² of 17 boroughs of Greater London north of the River Thames and a small part of the County of Surrey...
on 27 April 1842.
This was one of Scott's early attempts at designing churches and one that he came not to be happy with; describing it later as a mass of horrors. He came to realise that it was something of a mistake not to have a chancel. However, a chancel and a second vestry (by W. Pywell) were added in 1898.
The famous painter William Frederick Yeames
William Frederick Yeames
William Frederick Yeames was a British painter best known for his oil-on-canvas problem picture And When Did You Last See Your Father?, which depicts the son of a Royalist being questioned by Parliamentarians during the English Civil War.-Biography:Yeames was born in Taganrog, Russia, the son of a...
, (who at one time was its churchwarden), is then thought to have done the wall paintings in the chancel
Chancel
In church architecture, the chancel is the space around the altar in the sanctuary at the liturgical east end of a traditional Christian church building...
.
Notable features
The east stained glass lancet windows are notable for their early use of very vivid, hard, bright colours.The design depicts the Nativity
Nativity of Jesus
The Nativity of Jesus, or simply The Nativity, refers to the accounts of the birth of Jesus in two of the Canonical gospels and in various apocryphal texts....
, Crucifixion
Crucifixion of Jesus
The crucifixion of Jesus and his ensuing death is an event that occurred during the 1st century AD. Jesus, who Christians believe is the Son of God as well as the Messiah, was arrested, tried, and sentenced by Pontius Pilate to be scourged, and finally executed on a cross...
and Resurrection
Resurrection of Jesus
The Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus states that Jesus returned to bodily life on the third day following his death by crucifixion. It is a key element of Christian faith and theology and part of the Nicene Creed: "On the third day he rose again in fulfillment of the Scriptures"...
.
Monuments
In the grave yard is a monument to the Glasse family. English HeritageEnglish Heritage
English Heritage . is an executive non-departmental public body of the British Government sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport...
has given it a Grade II listing.
The great reformer Jonas Hanway
Jonas Hanway
Jonas Hanway , English traveller and philanthropist, was born at Portsmouth, on the south coast of England.-Life:...
who was buried here in the crypt on September 13, 1786 has his memorial plaque in Westminster Abbey instead.
Behind the pulpit the is a fine memorial to Margaret Emma Orde, wife to Sir John Orde, 1st Baronet
Sir John Orde, 1st Baronet
Sir John Orde, 1st Baronet was the third son of John Orde, of Morpeth, Northumberland, and the brother of Thomas Orde-Powlett, 1st Baron Bolton...
. It is sculptured by van Gilder who often worked with Robert Adam
Robert Adam
Robert Adam was a Scottish neoclassical architect, interior designer and furniture designer. He was the son of William Adam , Scotland's foremost architect of the time, and trained under him...
.
At the western end on the south side is a bronze bust of the missionary Rev. Alec Field. He was on the ship RMV Falaba
Thrasher Incident
The Thrasher incident, as it became known in U.S. media, nearly became the start of America's involvement in World War I. On March 28, 1915, the British steamship was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat...
when it was torpedoed by German U-boat U-28 in 1915 and he was numbered amongst the 140 lost souls.
Alice Wait, a fellow missionary, has given an account of the warning, attack and sinking and of the last time she saw Rev. Fields. This brought America into the war and became remembered as the Thrasher incident
Thrasher Incident
The Thrasher incident, as it became known in U.S. media, nearly became the start of America's involvement in World War I. On March 28, 1915, the British steamship was torpedoed and sunk by German U-boat...
.
Inside the church in the north east corner is a plaque to commemorate Bombardier Billy Wells. He was an English heavyweight boxer but remembered today as the man striking the gong
Gongman
The Gongman is a company trademark for the Rank Organisation. It was used as the introduction to all Rank films, many of which were created at their Pinewood Studios)....
at the start of each film released by the Rank Organisation
Rank Organisation
The Rank Organisation was a British entertainment company formed during 1937 and absorbed in 1996 by The Rank Group Plc. It was the largest and most vertically-integrated film company in Britain, owning production, distribution and exhibition facilities....
. He was often to be seen on the local golf course and his ashes now rest in the crypt.
Notable rectors
Perhaps the most famous rector was Dr. George H. Glasse. Son of the previous rector Rev. Samuel Glasse, D.D. Oxon., F.R.S., George was a great Greek and Latin scholar, writer and a man of social influence. Still surviving is the home he had built in 1809 which lies 500 ft west of the church along Church Road. It is executed in the style of cottage orné and named The Hermitage (Grade II). Nikolaus PevsnerNikolaus Pevsner
Sir Nikolaus Bernhard Leon Pevsner, CBE, FBA was a German-born British scholar of history of art and, especially, of history of architecture...
described it thus: “a peach of an early c19 Gothic
Gothic Revival architecture
The Gothic Revival is an architectural movement that began in the 1740s in England...
thatched cottage with two pointed windows, a quatrefoil
Quatrefoil
The word quatrefoil etymologically means "four leaves", and applies to general four-lobed shapes in various contexts.-In heraldry:In heraldic terminology, a quatrefoil is a representation of a flower with four petals, or a leaf with four leaflets . It is sometimes shown "slipped", i.e. with an...
, and an ogee
Ogee
An ogee is a curve , shaped somewhat like an S, consisting of two arcs that curve in opposite senses, so that the ends are parallel....
arched door, all on a minute scale. Inside, an octagonal hall and reception room”. Tragically, four years after his second marriage, he found himself in dire financial straits. These troubles were thought to have weighed so heavily upon him, that whilst his mind was deranged with worry, he hanged himself at an inn in London on October 30th 1809.
Rev. Derwent Coleridge
Derwent Coleridge
Derwent Coleridge , third child of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, was a distinguished English scholar and author.-Early life:Derwent Coleridge was born at Keswick, Cumberland, 14 Sept. 1800 . He was sent with his brother Hartley to be educated at a small school near Ambleside...
(instituted March 7th 1864) was also a distinguished scholar and author. His father was Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Samuel Taylor Coleridge was an English poet, Romantic, literary critic and philosopher who, with his friend William Wordsworth, was a founder of the Romantic Movement in England and a member of the Lake Poets. He is probably best known for his poems The Rime of the Ancient Mariner and Kubla...
who was one of the Lake poets
Lake Poets
The Lake Poets are a group of English poets who all lived in the Lake District of England at the turn of the nineteenth century. As a group, they followed no single "school" of thought or literary practice then known, although their works were uniformly disparaged by the Edinburgh Review...
. In order to meet the spiritual needs of the growing population of the parish he established St. Mark's Church on the corner of Green Lane and the Lower Boston Road. This building still stands but has since been converted into flats.
In latter years another well-known rector was Fred Secombe
Fred Secombe
Rev. Frederick Thomas Secombe, born 31st December 1918 in Swansea, Wales, UK. Older brother of Sir Harry Donald Secombe. Ordained deacon and priest in The Church in Wales, serving his first assistant curacy in South Wales, later as Vicar. Moved to St. Mary's Church, Hanwell, as Rector, in West...
(brother of Harry Secombe
Harry Secombe
Sir Harry Donald Secombe CBE was a Welsh entertainer with a talent for comedy and a noted fine tenor singing voice. He is best known for playing Neddie Seagoon, the central character in the BBC radio comedy series The Goon Show...
). He arrived March 9th 1969. By the time of his departure he had already been mentioned on several national news reports. Since leaving and moving back to Wales
Wales
Wales is a country that is part of the United Kingdom and the island of Great Britain, bordered by England to its east and the Atlantic Ocean and Irish Sea to its west. It has a population of three million, and a total area of 20,779 km²...
, he has become a prolific author.
As a film location
St Mary's has the advantage of having no passing traffic, thus an absence of all those inconveniences and interruptions that drive directors to trichotillomaniaTrichotillomania
Trichotillomania, which is classified as an impulse control disorder by DSM-IV, is the compulsive urge to pull out one's own hair leading to noticeable hair loss, distress, and social or functional impairment. It is often chronic and difficult to treat....
. Little wonder then, that the following have been filmed there:
- Staggered (1994): Starred Martin ClunesMartin ClunesAlexander Martin Clunes is an English actor and comedian. Clunes is perhaps best known for his roles as Gary Strang in Men Behaving Badly, Doctor Martin Ellingham in Doc Martin and the title character in Reggie Perrin....
as a man late for his own weddingWeddingA wedding is the ceremony in which two people are united in marriage or a similar institution. Wedding traditions and customs vary greatly between cultures, ethnic groups, religions, countries, and social classes...
. St Mary's was used for most of the church shots.
- Shine on Harvey MoonShine on Harvey MoonShine on Harvey Moon is a British television series made by Central Television for ITV from 8 January 1982 to 23 August 1985 and briefly revived in 1995 by Meridian....
(1993) for ITV television: This was a period drama series set in the 1940s. The funeral sequences were also filmed at St Mary's.