The earliest evidence of Christian worship in North Waltham  derives from our oldest church structures which date from around 1200 AD. The outside walls of the church are of local knapped flint set in lime mortar with only the windows and doorways and cornerstones of expensive imported stone. The roof was originally  thatched. Although the church was altered during the first 150 years, after that period it remained a small ancient church with a tower of  Norman style until around 1860, This is the time when little was left of the church as the south wall and chancel had  collapsed. The east window cracked and the roof fell in. John Colson, Hampshire’s eminent Victorian Architect, was summoned and in 1864 designed the rebuild. He included saved  original  Norman masonry to show the development from the Norman style to Victorian Gothic style. The church still looks much the same as it did in 1350 and St Michael’s has changed little since the rebuild in 1865/6 apart from the Victorian roof tiles which replaced the original thatched roof.

External features of our wonderful church

The Church Porch

Before you step up into the porch, look up towards your left. There are two carved stone heads on the outside arch. The man’s head on the left is possibly of Rev’d Henry Carey. He was  the rector who raised the funds of between £1359 and £1700  in 1865, to 1866, to rebuild the church after it fell into disrepair. Unfortunately, the other head (female) is unknown. Likewise the other carved stone heads are not known.

The Bells and the Belltower

Outside, the wooden shingled tower is topped with a wooden spire although reminiscent of early Norman style it is an 1865/1866 addition. Craftsmen’s names from 1866 and 1908 are carved on the timbers. The spire which was re-shingled in 1963/4 was repaired again in 2001. The tower holds the ‘greate’ bell of 1573 which with two others peal out over the village before services. Today the bells are rung to herald the start of services.

Internal features of our wonderful church

The Font

The font is the first monument seen when entering the church. It is typically a 15th century octagonal with a quatrefoil on each face. Its stand is of the later perpendicular style.  Although it dates from the 15th century it was acquired from Popham church which closed down in 1883. Colson’s replacement font from 1863 however was given to St Mary’s Church, Eastrop, in Basingstoke.

Original Norman Pillars in the North Aisle

The North Aisle, an opened out space, is an area where children are encouraged to play, write, and colour during services and where activities can easily be arranged for children’s church activities. Tables for Harvest suppers etc can be set up making it a versatile community space.

The two pillars nearest the choir vestry and organ are original 1200 Century Norman. However, The pair of pillars to the left are modern copies from 1865. The window on the right hand side is Norman. Note the stonework which has original vertical  grooves.

The Nave

The pews are Victorian pine, The kneelers were designed by a local artist Atherton Harrison and stitched by local residents in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The wood pulpit is from the Victorian era. St Michael’s first organ was acquired around 1890. The current electric one was installed in 1977.

Further Points of Interest

The Chancel

The remodelled chancel arch which is supported on the outside by a buttress on the south side, demonstrates the gothic style with compound piers each with their slender columns. Colson, the Victorian architect, said he copied the dogtooth pattern from the original Norman arch.

The Stained Glass Window

The stained glass window depicts the Good Samaritan. They are dated from mid-Victorian times and post-date the rebuild.

The Church Sanctuary

ALTAR AND FAITH PANELS

Above the altar are colourful Victorian panels of faith. These  present the Ten Commandments and Lord’s Prayer. Beneath the Altar lies Rev’d  William Frazer, who was the rector 1831-1842, along with his teenage children who just predeceased him.

The Piscina

On the south side of the sanctuary is the decorative gothic style piscina. It is early 14th Century and is a sink allowing water, used by the priest to wash his hands during Mass, to drain away.

21st Century Refurbishment

The kitchen was installed in 2011. To make way for these alterations Colson’s pews from the North Aisle were removed. Today, the kitchen is used after every service to provide refreshments and  promote fellowship.

The accessible toilet was also added in 2011.