The Chancel

This was extended and almost completely rebuilt in 1904/5, at a cost of £1800, and its appearance has not changed since then.  The work was carried out by John Oldrid Scott, son of Sir George Gilbert Scott, one of the most distinguished Victorian architects. The style is Arts and Crafts, Early Gothic, with extensive use of timber in the arch and the roof. The lectern and pulpit were carved in the same style by Florence Mole, who also carved the reredos (see below)

A new organ chamber was built, with a boiler room below.

The new organ was made by Hill and Son, described as “organ builders of great repute”.  William Hill has been described as “one of the most significant organ builders of his generation.”

Other examples of the work of Hill and Son are the organ in Birmingham Town Hall and two organs in Sydney Australia.

Phillip Ward, who  has been our organist for over 50 years and is a member of a local family of longstanding, recalls that his great aunt Florence Hannah Mole carved the reredos behind the altar – on her kitchen table!

The “fine” east window was installed in 1919 and paid for by Mrs Sybil Gurney of Shakenhurst in memory of Charles Wicksted, his wife Emily and his nephew Hugh Gurney, Sybil Gurney’s husband.

The window contains a rare feature – St Bartholomew’s Church itself forms part of the window, just above the dedication.

 Each of what at first glance appear to be plain lozenge shaped pieces of glass have, on closer inspection, an individual coat of arms linked to the owners of Shakenhurst Hall and Estate.

A plaque (near the porch) records that friends and acquaintances of Charles Wigley Wicksted, who largely financed the alteration of 1904/5, paid for the new choir stalls in his memory following his death in 1906