The Church Buildings
St Michael's Church
The Dedication
St. Michael is the Biblical figure who features in the books of Daniel (chapters 10 and 12), the letter of Jude (verse 9) and the book of Revelation (chapter 12, verse 7), in which he is depicted, with his angels, defeating the devil and his angels.
Its history
There has been a church on the present site for nearly 1000 years. The oldest part of the present building, the chancel, dates from 1464. 50 years later the famous Bishop Richard Fox of Winchester began the building of the nave and aisles. Most of the building is therefore around 500 years old. However, the flint walls outside St. Stephen's Chapel may be older and there is a pillar close to the vestry door which is clearly Norman. In the north-east corner, the Memorial Chapel is a later addition being completed in 1921 to commemorate Basingstoke's dead from the Great War.
The church carries its own battle scars. In the Civil War, it was used not only as a billet for many Parliamentarian soldiers and their horses but also as a store for supplies including gunpowder. When the inevitable happened and an explosion occurred, the clerestory windows were blown out and much of the woodwork was damaged. The soldiers also stole some of the Communion plate and other valuables. The Parliamentarians and Royalists met in Basingstoke and depressions caused by musket bullets from one side or the other can be seen on the south wall of the Church.
During the 2nd World War, on 16 August 1940, a bomb fell in Church Street blowing out or shattering all the windows except the one in the north east corner. One of the pillars in the church also still clearly shows the damage caused by a piece of shrapnel.
There is much more that could be said about the history of the church - this is recorded in a booklet available at a cost of £1 from the church.
Points of Interest
The church contains several coats of arms: for James I, William III, Elizabeth I and Elizabeth II.
There is also a sculpture, Christus Rex, by contemporary sculptor, Peter Eugene Ball.
Church Cottage
The Church Cottage is one of the oldest buildings in Basingstoke, being a listed building of Tudor origin. It has a wealth of oak beams and provides an interesting and attractive backdrop to any function.
The Kitchen and Servery is fully equipped, with hatches to both the Barn and the School Room. There is a Toilet for Disabled Persons and access is easy to all rooms. The building is licensed for Music and Dancing. An amplification system is available. Bookings should be made through the Church Office.
The Barn - A beautiful hall capable of seating 120. Old timber uprights support the roof from a well sprung modern floor. With a stage at one end it is suitable for Wedding Receptions, Business Lunches, Demonstrations, Club Meetings, etc.
The Chapter Room is a smaller room. It is carpeted and full of atmosphere with its fine open Tudor fireplace. It accommodates 30 - 40 and is suitable for small parties, Birthdays, Baptisms, Committee Meetings or small groups.
The School Room - Used as an Infants' School in Victorian times, this room is available for meetings of groups of up to fifty persons.
Drawings by Jeanne Titchiner