The history of St John the Baptist Church began with the sale

of Purbrook Park Estate in 1829, the break-up of this estate eventually leading to the construction of a Church for the 200 inhabitants of Purbrook. Work began on land previously donated

by the Reverend Allen of Purbrook House in 1843, but a conflict between the local Squire and the Rector, Mr. Richards, relating

to the Oxford Movement and the proposed forms of service, delayed completion and consecration of the building until 1858.

The flint exterior of the church is of the decorated style with many Victorian stained glass windows (click here for a link to

 

http://www.hampshirechurchwindows.co.uk/showchurch.php?id=279) (with thanks to Martin Baxter of Hampshire Church Windows Website] and is largely original, but the approach of the twentieth century saw the provision of a single bell and a striking clock in the tower. A clergy vestry was also constructed at this time and the lych gate erected in 1919 as a village memorial to those who fell in the Great War.

The interior has changed little, although the oak reredos was erected in 1893, and the organ moved from the South Aisle to its present position in 1899.

The vestry has also been extended to provide more space for the clergy and choir, and the nave refitted with light-oak pews, for approximately 200 people, and clergy and reader’s desks. and the single bell replaced with a peal to celebrate the millennium.

We have recently completed a ‘tidy up’ of the Churchyard and are hoping to form a group of local people to maintain and enhance the setting of that area, Watch this space! (a pun!). Do also see our'Development page for details of our exciting plans for 2007

More from History@stjohnspurbrook and  Friends of the churchyard@stjohnspurbrook