The church dates from the early part of the 12th century. It is likely that an earlier church existed on the site because the Domesday Book records the presence of a priest, but no trace of that church has survived.[4] In the 14th century the south porch was built and a window was added to the south wall of the chancel. During the 19th century further alterations were made, including widening of windows, re-seating the church, and installing a west gallery. It is likely that the chancel arch was removed at this time.[5] The functions of the church were replaced in 1877 by St Bartholomew's Church, Harpley.[4][6] It was then neglected and was used for a time as a farm building.[2] Since 1990 repairs and restoration have been carried out.[2] This has been assisted by the formation of a local trust known as The Friends of Old St. Bartholomew's.[6] The work included reinstating the west gallery. The intention of the restorers was "to make it appear as though we had never been on the site".[7] The church was vested in the Churches Conservation Trust on 21 January 1994.[8]
Architecture
Exterior
St Bartholmew's is constructed in sandstonerubble with tile roofs. The exterior of the church is partly rendered.[1] Its plan is simple and consists of a nave, chancel and south porch. The nave measures 34 feet 4 inches (10.5 m) by 19 feet (5.8 m), and the chancel 19 feet 8 inches (6.0 m) by 15 feet (4.6 m). The east window consists of a single light under a pointed arch. On the south wall of the chancel is a window of two trefoiled lights under a square head, to the west of which is a blocked priest's door. On the north wall of the chancel is a narrow round-headed window. The south porch is built in timber on a rubble plinth. It has a gabled roof over curved wind braces. Its walls are weatherboarded, and its bargeboard is decorated with moulding.[1] The doorway is Norman and consists of a single order with a tympanum.[9] In the west wall is a large square-headed 19th-century window over which is a small 12th-century opening. The north wall contains a blocked doorway and a 19th-century window.[1]
Interior
The interior of the church is plastered.[5] In the north wall of the chancel are two square aumbries, and in the south wall is a piscina and another square aumbry. Over the east window is a blocked 12th-century window. At the west end of the church is a gallery. Also in the church are the remnants of a circular font base.[1] The Norman bowl of the font has been removed to the new church.[9] On the north wall of the nave are traces of medieval paintings.[1]
