Binstead, Holy Cross Church

Holy Cross Church, Binstead

The quiet country church at Binstead dates back to [at least] the early Norman period. It was heavily remodelled in the 13th century, and much of what remains dates to that period. The nave was rebuilt in 1843 and a north aisle added in 1875.

History

Shortly after the Norman Conquest, William the Conqueror granted permission to quarry stone from Quarr to use on Winchester Cathedral. It is possible that Holy Cross was built to serve the quarrymen working to extract the stone. Stone from Quarr was also used to build Quarr Abbey, which was founded in 1131.

Holy Cross began as a simple single-celled building with no division between nave and chancel. The nave was pulled down in the early Victorian period and rebuilt under the direction of Thomas Hellyer, an architect from Ryde. Hellyer also added a vestry and the present south porch. The nave roof was destroyed by fire in 1969 but was rebuilt in the same style.

Grotesque figure, west wall

Historical Highlights

The oldest part of the existing church is the chancel, where you can clearly see large areas of herringbone stonework. This style of stonework was common in the late Saxon period, but less common after the Norman Conquest. This would suggest that the church may date to before the Norman period.

The simple bellcote over the west gable holds a medieval bell from nearby Quarr Abbey. Bellow the bellcote, set into the west wall, are two medieval carved figures set above lancet windows. One figure depicts a dragon, and the other is a gryphon. A central engaged shaft runs up to the gable. This shaft terminates in a grotesquely carved corbel.

Gryphon carving, west wall

The wooden altar is carved in Flemish style and probably dates to the late 16th century. It is carved with Biblical scenes that include the Last Supper and the Nativity.

The chancel is panelled with oak panels brought here from Winchester College Chapel. They are thought to be the work of William Butterfield.

Look for the brass WWI memorial plaque on the wall. Unusually, one of the names on the memorial is that of a woman; Mary Gartside-Tipping died while serving with the WEC (Women's Emergency Corps) in France, and was awarded the Croix de Guerre in recognition of her service.

The stone font dates to 1844.

Herringbone stonework, chancel wall

Death of a Smuggler

In the churchyard is the grave of Thomas Sivell, a smuggler who was shot and killed by Customs officers from Portsmouth in 1785. The oldest grave in the churchyard, however, is a table tomb commemorating James and Sarah Goodlad, which dates to 1620.

The churchyard entrance gate is a Norman doorway arch, and over the arch is a grotesque carved figure in a squatting position. The doorway arch is thought to be the original north doorway in the church.

A medieval carved corbel

Visiting

There is parking at the right-angle bend on Church Road, outside the churchyard. The church was open when we visited and is usually open for visitors.

Note: Do not confuse Holy Cross Church at Binstead (this church) with Holy Cross Church at Binsted, Hampshire! Even a straightforward search on [insert name of your favourite search engine here] will show both churches, so be sure you know which one you are planning to visit!