Churches - Bevendean History Project
Stanmer Church exterior Wall Plaques
Stanmer Church was put up for
sale in October 2022 by the Church Commissioners. Anyone
interested in buying the property had to respond by the 28th of
November 2022.
When visiting Stanmer Park on Saturday 31 August 2024, I noticed that scaffolding had been erected to give access to part of the roof. It would appear that someone has purchased the building and is preparing to make repairs to the roof of the church.
Stanmer Church spire in June 2024 from the north west.
While looking for documents about the history of the church at the Keep I came across a reference to plaques fixed to the outside walls.
The original 14th century church was demolished in 1838 and rebuilt on the same site. The work started in March 1838 and was finished by the end of November 1839. It was rebuilt at a cost of £3,638-3-0 ¾ and paid for by the 3rd Earl of Chichester, Henry Thomas Pelham.
There are three wall plaques which date from the 1700s, which was before the present church was built in 1839. They must have come from the original church building and been fixed on the walls of the new church once it was completed.
The surface of the tablets has deteriorated due to weathering. The clearest being to the Revd. Edward Bland, Rector of Stanmer Church. Edward Bland was the Rector of Stanmer Church from 1727 to 1769 a total of 42 years.
Here Lyeth interred the Body of The Reverend Edward Bland M.A. 42 Years Rector of this Church.
A Clergyman of sound faith, unblemished Morals & an esteemed Character.
Reverenced by Inferiors. Respected by Equals.
Beloved by the Great. Deceased October 17, A.D. 1769. Et 77.
This Tomb was Erected by his niece Jane Fell.
The second tablet is to William Ridge.
To the memory of William Ridge. Formerly of this Parish. But late of St Michael in Lewes.
Who departed this life October 31st 1782, Aged 82 Years.
The third tablet is to Mr. Robert Speak.
The text reads: -
Sacred to the memory of Mr. Robert Speak many Years a faithful Servant to the Right Honourable Lord Pelham who departed this left 1st April 1792 aged 82 Years.
When visiting Stanmer Park on Saturday 31 August 2024, I noticed that scaffolding had been erected to give access to part of the roof. It would appear that someone has purchased the building and is preparing to make repairs to the roof of the church.
Stanmer Church spire in June 2024 from the north west.
While looking for documents about the history of the church at the Keep I came across a reference to plaques fixed to the outside walls.
The original 14th century church was demolished in 1838 and rebuilt on the same site. The work started in March 1838 and was finished by the end of November 1839. It was rebuilt at a cost of £3,638-3-0 ¾ and paid for by the 3rd Earl of Chichester, Henry Thomas Pelham.
There are three wall plaques which date from the 1700s, which was before the present church was built in 1839. They must have come from the original church building and been fixed on the walls of the new church once it was completed.
The surface of the tablets has deteriorated due to weathering. The clearest being to the Revd. Edward Bland, Rector of Stanmer Church. Edward Bland was the Rector of Stanmer Church from 1727 to 1769 a total of 42 years.
Tablet for Revd. Edward Bland photographed in May 2024.
The text reads: -Here Lyeth interred the Body of The Reverend Edward Bland M.A. 42 Years Rector of this Church.
A Clergyman of sound faith, unblemished Morals & an esteemed Character.
Reverenced by Inferiors. Respected by Equals.
Beloved by the Great. Deceased October 17, A.D. 1769. Et 77.
This Tomb was Erected by his niece Jane Fell.
The second tablet is to William Ridge.
Tablet for William Ridge photographed in May 2024.
The text reads: -To the memory of William Ridge. Formerly of this Parish. But late of St Michael in Lewes.
Who departed this life October 31st 1782, Aged 82 Years.
The third tablet is to Mr. Robert Speak.
Tablet for Robert Speak photographed in May 2024.
The text reads: -
Sacred to the memory of Mr. Robert Speak many Years a faithful Servant to the Right Honourable Lord Pelham who departed this left 1st April 1792 aged 82 Years.
