The present church is located in a picturesque setting in the heart of the village of Ravenstone, opposite Ravenstone Hospital - almshouses, and close to the impressive Ravenstone Hall. The church is of local sandstone believed to have been quarried at the Altons nearby in the parish. The spire is a broach spire, unusual for the area.
The immediate vicinity is a Conservation Area and a number of ancient trees are subject to preservation orders. Unfortunately, one of the oldest trees, in the churchyard, a 120 year old cedar had to be felled in 1995 due to its dangerous condition.
The church itself, is believed to date back to 1323 but it is thought that there may have been a building on the site before this time. It is well worth a stroll around the outside of the church and churchyard to study the site and structure of this beautiful building.
The main entrance to the church is via a timber lychgate, dedicated in 1965 to the memory of Sidney James and Helen Mary Francis.
Once in the churchyard, the sloping path to the door leads you by a headstone
in memory of two brothers from the village who fell during the Crimean war,
and further on is the War Memorial to those from the village who gave their
lives during both World wars. This memorial is believed to be constructed of
crushed shells from the east coast.
Before entering the church, on the west wall of the bell tower can be seen a
stone figure of St. Michael, and further round, on the north wall is an external
recess beneath a window which was probably a 'leper squint' (35 on plan).
Once through the small porch entrance, you enter a lovely, peaceful building and if you turn to your left you can follow this brief guide to the many interesting features within the Church.
1 Stone carving of the head of St. John the Baptist. Unfortunately, this is
in rather poor condition.
2 Font, of Derbyshire stone, and lead lined.
3 Choir vestry memorial screen. In memory of Mary Cicely Fosbrooke of Ravenstone
Hall. (see also 6) There are three bells within the tower, although it can accommodate
six. The other three bells of the ring are in the church at Normanton -le- Heath,
and date back to about 1600.
4 Memorial window to Leonard Fosbrooke. Stained glass depicting the Pharisee
and the Publican.
5 Two plaques commemorating restoration and reopening of the church in 1884,
and further restoration and redecoration in 1957, when the church floor was
renewed, the pulpit reduced in size, and a new door added to the porch.
6 Memorial window depicting St. Cecelia, in memory of Mary Cicely Fosbrooke.
7 Roll of Honour (1914-1918) listing men from Ravenstone who served in the war.
8 Priests door. It is believed that this blocked up doorway formerly connected
the church to a pathway to the priests residence. Within the recess is a list
of Rectors of the parish.
9 Roll of Honour (1914-1918) listing men from the village who gave their lives.
10 Carved oak pulpit, reduced in size during the 1956 renovations.
11 Rectors chair.
12 Choir stalls and organ. The organ is by Taylors of Leicester.
13 Tapestry showing the last supper. In memory of Victor Martin Hewes and Martha
Ellen Hewes, donated by their daughter, Rhoda Edna Lakin in January 1968.
14 Altar rail of ornate wrought iron.
15 Memorial to Samuel Hacksup MA Rector of Ravenstone, died 20 February 1666
16 Brass memorial plaque to the Reverend James Thomas Alderson, rector for 45
years from 1855 to 1890. He was also Canon of Southwell and Rural Dean of Harsthorne
for 21 years. The Derbyshire connection is due to the fact that Ravenstone was
formerly a detached part of Derbyshire.
17 Memorial tablet placed by Sir Joseph Mawbey, in memory of his parents. He
was a member of parliament, and also a poet.
18 Bishops chair.
19 Prayer desk in memory of the parents of Anne, Eric, Rita, Fred, and William
Lambert.
20 Altar. This is a modern altar. The cross and candlesticks are of brass, as
is the alms dish, which is a copy of a Dutch design from 1503, but only dates
from about 1830.
21/22 Tapestry banners.
23 Reredos. This carved alabaster feature to the rear of the altar, depicts
Matthew Mark, Luke and John.
24 East window. This dates back to the 19th century, and comprises three panels:
the angels message to the shepherds: the Ascension : the Resurrection. The inscriptions
on the window are in memory of various members of the Webb family, whose father
was resident Chaplain at the Hospital
25 Credence table. This is a First World war memorial to the 'friends of Arthur
and Ethel Laxton- Hames'.
26 Oak chest. This chest formerly contained various parish books and bibles,
and also the parish silver. There are three locks on the chest, the keys formerly
being held by the Rector and the two church wardens. All of these keys are necessary
to open the chest.
27 Piscina. This is the position of a small bowl in which were washed the chalice
and other vessels.
28 Sedilia. This is a stone seat on the south wall for the priest, restored
in memory of Canon Alderson by his 'wife and child' in 1899.
29 Lectern. Brass eagle in memory of Mary Ann Hatchett who died in 1867.
30 Vestry screen. Carved wood screen in memory of Joseph Hatchett, church warden.
31 Brass jug which sits on a piscina. This part of the church may have been
a Lady chapel.
32/33 Memorial windows to Sarah Ann and Thomas Hatchett, by Willis and Jones.
34 Carved Celtic cross, believed Saxon. Also within the porch are faint impressions
on the wall indicating the position of ancient ironwork crosses.
1995
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