The Tower
To the side of this archway was a Rose window. This was removed during the nineteenth century alterations after much consternation and debate by the parishioners. It was replaced by a perpendicular window of the same design as the two already there. It was described by the architect Lingen Barker as a "Bull's Eye." Windows (including stained glass) had been vandalised many times so that in 1990 permanent plastic covers were put over them.
It is pennant and limestone (not a good mixture) with flush ashlar quoins, a perpendicular parapet and gargoyles. On the South wall is what was thought to be a scratch sundial with a style hole and a circle of small holes but could be a stonemason's mark. On the East wall near the ground another blocked doorway can be seen. This led down stone steps to the coke boiler.
The tower is a triangulation point for Ordnance Survey and is marked on the Ordnance Survey map. The reference point is checked regularly. A triangular block is on the roof as a marker. The RAF also probably used the tower as a landmark during the Second World War. The floodlit tower can be seen as a beacon and inspiration to all who see it. Before she died in 1990 Rita Southgate's mother Mrs Enid McGroggan bequeathed the money for making this possible. This was as a result of a conversation between Rita and Joy Bailey who were discussing how beautiful the tower would be if it was floodlit.
Another thing that has delighted passengers and staff at Parkway station has been the sound of hymns and carols at Christmas and summertime coming from the Green. The church bells can no longer be heard as another reminder of Christianity. In times gone by they seemed to call "All good people come to church" and spurred people on to get to church on time.
The Porch
Inside the porch are stone benches and the remains of a Holy Water Stoupe. Parishioners on entering would dip their fingers in the water and make the sign of the cross, remembering their baptism. Small loaves were placed on the benches every week, being given by Webbs Charity for the poor and needy of the parish, also perhaps for the communion bread. These were delivered at one time by David Hutton's grandfather. Perhaps because of the very close bombing during the second world war it was proposed in 1942 that smelling salts and fresh water should be placed in the porch.
It has a distinctive O-Gee arch, with crocketed finial and pinnacles and is probably l4th century, however being made in sandstone makes its date uncertain. The pattern had almost disappeared by 1986 when it was expertly recarved by stone masons who were called in to repair the deteriorating state of the porch. At the same time stone slabs were placed outside for the congregation to linger before going home or taking coffee. The vicarage rooms were converted for church use from part of the vicarage which had previously been used as a flat and during the war as shelter from the bombing
The Church Building
The heavy oak studded door might have been used in bygone days by some people knocking and claiming sanctuary. Above the door is the Georgian Coat of Arms, with the White Horse of Hanover. The Ten Commandments are on the West wall of the North aisle. They may have been moved at some time from the Chancel. Between 1992 and 1993 the boards were expertly restored by Mrs Katherine Woodgate Jones. Margaret Jocelyn paid for this to be done in memory of her father (Margaret herself keeps the Book of Remembrance written up). The great hatchment of the Beaufort family which used to hang here is stored in Bristol museum in the hope of eventual restoration. A Berkeley hatchment with a Bloody Hand (relating to a war in Ireland) is remembered to have been in the Vestry in the 1930's but its whereabouts are now unknown.
The silver communion plate given by the Berkeley family in the eighteenth century which was once held by the museum is now back in church. This consists of a large wine ewer given by Elizabeth countess of Hereford in 1720 made by John Bignell; the chalice by Andrew Folberg and two 1775 patens by Frederick Kandler.
At the West end is the organ which was given to the Church by Mrs Gladys Burden in 1939 two years after electricity was installed (this also was given by Mrs Burden). The present organ was first installed at the North wall of the East end. It was transferred to the site of the old organ in 1952. The introduction of electricity gave a new look to the Church, and the Evening Post took some pictures beforehand, showing the Verger Fred Curtis, lighting the oil lamps. Here at the West end in 1850 was "a platform from which the village choir performs with their own voices and two flutes. There are several great singers amongst the congregation, who seem to join with amazing unction and energy" (The Church Goer Rural Rides). Fred Curtis had the important job of stoking the boilers under the Church. The heat came up through wrought iron grids above the aisles. These were later filled in and in 1980 were covered with carpet. On the South wall are the arms of Parsons of Hambrook
