St Donat's Church

St Donats, United Kingdom

St Donat's Church was originally a small 12th century church with an apsed chancel. By the early 14th century the tower was added which was followed towards the late 14th century by the Lady Chapel, now known as the Stradling Chapel. In the 15th century the chancel was rebuilt and the nave the following century. In 1878 Dr. Nicholl-Carne paid for the restoration of the main body of the church. In 1907 the then patron of the church, Morgan Stuart Williams, ordered the reconstruction of the tower. A heating chamber was later added to the tower but this was reconstructed in the late 20th century.

The church has a long-standing association with the Stradling baronets, whose home, St Donat's Castle, overlooks the church. Several monuments to the Stradlings from the 17th and 18th century are found within its walls.

Architecture

Original built in the 12th century, St Donat's retains architectural features from all five of its different stages of growth. The chancel arch is evidence of its 12th century construction, plain, round-headed with primitive caps. The double headed double-chamfered tower arch is believed to be early 14th century, while the north chancel chapel, with its square-headed three light eastern window, was added later that century. The chancel was reconstructed in the 15th century with many features from that build still in evidence: the piscina (altar basin) with cusped ogee hood, the nave with its north porch, the corbelled parapets to the nave with gargoyles and the corbelled tower battlements. The work from this period also shows comparisons to the late 15th century hall at the castle.

The body of the church was restored in 1878 and the tower in 1907. Other features of note include the circular font with roll top and bottom with scale patterned sides. A medieval wooden lectern, not original to the church, which was bought in 1913. The eastern window is of stained glass and displays an image of Saint Donat (circa 1862), believed to be by Clayton and Bell, but its providence is uncertain.

Monuments and art

The churchyard contains several structures of note, several of the having listed building status. One of the oldest features is a complete 15th century preaching cross mounted on a three stepped plinth. A memorial cross to Mary Anne Nicholl-Carne, a former owner of St Donats Castle who died in 1879, has grade II listed status and is found to the north west of the church tower. The walls and railings surrounding the churchyard are also grade II listed, of 19th century build but includes some sections of earlier 17th century design.

Within the church, held in the Stradling Chapel, are three painted family portraits on panels, depicting Sir Edward Stradling (1529-1609) and his wife, the others his fore-bearers, dated 1590 and signed by Byrd. These items were stolen from the chapel in 1991, but subsequently recovered; those presently on display are now photographic copies. The chapel also contains the tombs of Sir Edward Stradling (1699-1726) and Sir Thomas Stradling (1710-1738), last of the Stradling line.

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Details

Founded: 12th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.8/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Julie Brown (2 years ago)
A peaceful, beautiful place to visit. There are ruins around of a church.
James W H (2 years ago)
Small ancient church open to the public, hidden away in the woodlands. It is adjacent to St Donat's Castle which is home to Atlantic College. It is located within the latter's private grounds but there is a public footpath. There is no access via the College's main gate. Instead use a side gate which has pedestrian access and also notes the footpath. Well worth a visit, beautiful church in a tranquil setting.
Peter Havard (4 years ago)
Craig Northmore (5 years ago)
Wedding venue
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