Church of St John the Evangelist, Twinstead (EHER 9390)

Built in 1859-60 by Charles Woodyer and constructed of red brick with stone dressings and tracery, and gabled plain tiled roofs. Plan of chancel with organ chamber and vestry to north and nave with south west porch and west bellcote. Middle pointed style.

Monument description derived from merging EHER 9390, 9391, 9392, and 28546. Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: St John's Church (C of E) [NAT]. <1> Church. 1859/60, by Charles Woodyer. Red brick with stone dressings and tracery; gabled plain tiled roofs. Middle pointed style. Plan of chancel with organ chamber and vestry to north and nave with south west porch and west bellcote. Parish church dated 1860 on rainwater heads. 18th century weathervane on bell cote. Grade II*. <2> Entirely rebuilt in the 19th century. The church retains a bell, early 16th century. A stone recording the rebuilding of the church in 1791 is reused in a walled garden at Twinstead Hall. Number of fittings from the old church retained in 1860; brasses of 1610, 1658; chair of about 1700; 17th century floor slabs; weathervane, early 18th century, loose in churchyard. <3> Inside renovations found stained glass by Hardman. Also brass to Marie Wynold (1610) and husband, also five daughters. <4> Church of St John the Evangelist There is a large sarsen just outside the south-east corner of the graveyard. Nave, chancel and bell-turret rebuilt in 1860 in garish Butterfield style. One of few noteworthy details is the surviving 19th century lychgate, complete with painted inscription. Graded DIIIa by Rodwell. Site Assessment = Church and graveyard lack interest although the building is in reasonably good condition, apart from dampness on the north side and some structural cracks. The 19th century lychgate is in poor condition but is an unique example in the Archdeaconry and its careful restoration is urged. Its construction is in the same rustic spirit as that of the now very rare 'headboard' grave markers. Archaeological potential of the site unknown. <5> See also: <6> - <8>