St. Mary's Church, Elham

The church dates from about 1180, with alterations and additions during the 15th.Century.

The wine glass pulpit is Tudor and the Eagle lectern is 17th.century.

An early photograph showing the old vicarage

An recent photograph showing the new vicarage

The view from St. Mary's tower taken by Rev. Canon Jonathan Russell in June 2005

On the 24th March 2010 steeplejacks from WM & RW Bacon replaced the recently refurbished weathervane.
They started erecting their ladders at 9am and at 3pm the third and final part of the weathervane was in place.

The steeplejacks - Drew Anderson, Dean Ellis & Robbie Stevenson 

Drew Anderson makes his way up the west side of the spire.
Each section of ladder is slotted into the one below and then secured to hooks which have been screwed into the lead faced wood of the spire.

Robbie Stevenson makes his way up the east side of the spire.

Derek Boughton with two of the recently refurbished parts

The repaired bullet hole.

The first section is refixed at the top.

The next sections weighs 41lb. and is not easy to get in place at such a height.

The "S" arm of this section had been especially marked by Robbie to ensure the correct alignment when slotted into the first claw section.
Some people on the ground were thinking that it would be funny if it pointed the wrong way round!

Having added an additional hoist the final section is now put in place

The view from the top of the spire - photos taken by Dean Ellis

The view from the top of the tower - photos taken by Drew Anderson

All photos have been taken by Bryan Badham, except where stated and are copyright of the Elham Website.

Link to the Christians in Elham website http://www.elhamchurches.com

Are you interested in bell ringing at Elham ? Then why not come along to St.Mary's on a practice night.
19.30 to 21.00 on Fridays. For more information please contact Matthew Nixon on 01303 893300 or
email him at quasi@hawkingeareodrome.freeserve.co.uk

Link to website information on the Church Bells of St.Mary's Elham

Page last updated 19/02/2014