St Michaels
St Michaels In Betchworth is number seven in the series
St. Michael’s is a grade 1 listed Church is situated at the southern end of the village of Betchworth and dates back to the 13th century.
The church is within a substantial churchyard, bounded by The Street to the east, Betchworth House and grounds to the south and west and residential properties to the north.
Its a large church, dating to the mid thirteenth century but with fragments built into the church of the eleventh century. Other alterations were made in succeeding centuries, culminating in the reconstruction of the Norman crossing tower as a new tower at the east end of the south aisle in 1851. The architect was E C Hakewill.
Other interesting internal features include a Romanesque tub shaped font by Eric Kennington (1951) and a polychromatic pulpit by Lush (1885). There is some stained glass. The structure consists of limestone rubble and ashlared quoining of Reigate stone. At a later date, some of the window surrounds were renewed in a yellow stone. In 1963, the top section of the tower was found to be unsafe and was refaced in Portland stone in a totally unsympathetic ashlared finish. The building is notable for continuing to retain its Horsham slab roof covering. The interior of the church includes a number of interesting features and monuments.
The bell tower contains eight bells which are regularly rung.
There are a few parking spaces in the church car park and in Park St near the church also a few spots alongside the Pub in Wonham Lane, incidentally the Dolphin Inn is well recommended by me !!
A straightforward off-set cache.
At the Lytchgate: William Thomas Stovell ABCD - EFGH
Cache is at N51.14.(A-E)(D-A)H W000.16 (G-H) (H+A) (F-B)
The cache has a log book only but no pen so please bring one with you
If any body would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let me know first so I can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication
To view the church micro stats & information page, please click here