Welcome to St John's

History - General Interior

The main roof of the church consists of exposed pitch pine rafters and purlins, which are still in their original condition. The Chancel roof contains a single hammer beam. At its plinth are two incised, crowned heads. At the base ends of the beam are also displayed two stone incised heads, said to be likenesses of the two Batemans (John & James).

The church contains seating for up to 200 people including incumbent and choir. All the pews are of English oak and the nave and chancel are wainscoted in similar material. No pew rents were ever taken at the Church, nor were any tithes taken, the tithe redemption was undertaken in 1937, being before this period exempt.The arcaded columns supporting the nave and chancel roofs were at one period painted and gilded with texts from the Bible. However these were removed before the institution of the first Vicar in 1922.

The interior of the Church was first illuminated by gaslights throughout from 1870. In 1932, electric lighting was installed, and the old gas fittings were sold off at 2 shillings (10p) each to parishioners. Most of the windows of the Church contain their original plain diamond leaded panes, which in 1981 were protected by double glazing panels on the exterior.

There are four incised coats of arms displayed in the Church. Two of these are in the Sanctuary roof on either side of the east window: On the left facing, is the arms of the Bateman family, and on the right, the Warburton family. Also at the front of the nave are displayed the Royal arms of Charles II; and in the organ chamber, being hidden by the organ pipes, is displayed the Warburton family arms.

Interior of the Church, showing the pews