harpsden church st margaret's

The parish of Harpsden, as it has existed for the last 500 years, is an amalgamation of what were once two completely separate places: Harpsden and Bolney, both of which are recorded in Domesday Book.  The present church, approximately two miles from Shiplake Church is believed to date from the 12th century.  Although it has been restored, it still retains the common Norman plan of a nave (aisle-less before the 19th century), which is separated from the chancel by an arch.  The chancel would then have taken the form of a Norman round-headed apse, which was developed into the present chancel in the 14th century.

The church is built of local flint and was originally entered from the south through a round-arched doorway of chalk, which still exists: one of the original consecration crosses was discovered when this doorway was opened up for access to St. Peter’s Vestry, which was added in 1973.  This room and kitchen are in the modern style and used by the choir for their storage, the Sunday School children during the morning service, as well as the various groups for their meetings – e.g. prayer groups and PCC meetings.  The congregation is encouraged to get together here after the service for coffee and chat.  It is approached through the Norman arch via a hall in which is a cloakroom and storage cupboard.

Originally the church was lit only by small round-headed windows, all of which have been replaced and the church notably brightened by the insertion of larger Gothic-arched windows, in the 14th century.  The tub-shaped Norman font and round-headed piscina are still in regular use, the latter having relocated to its present spot when the chancel replaced the Norman apse.

Traces of colourful mediaeval interior decoration and mediaeval monuments still survive today.  On the north side of the chancel is an effigy of a knight, said to have been carved by Abingdon masons in the 14th century.  Three pre-Reformation brasses name members of local families dating from 1460 to 1511, one of which shows Sir Walter Elmes, the Rector, seen wearing eucharistic vestments.  There are several references to the Elmes family, lords of the manor of Bolney, in the parish registers.

A small Priest’s Vestry is approached through an archway to the north of the chancel.

In the grounds of the church stands The Oratory.  This has been created from the original Lich, which led into the grounds of the Manor House behind the church.  Permission was granted by the owners of the house to build the room, and it has been used as a quiet place of prayer over many years.  The door is kept open at all times and on occasions has been used as an overnight refuge.  Last year lights and power were installed in the room so that it can be used as an overspill area for the Sunday School children as they have outgrown the vestry.  Plans are now in the early stages for the building of a separate building in the church grounds for multi-purpose use but primarily for the Sunday School activities.