ST JOHN THE BAPTIST
SHEDFIELD

Shedfield used to be part of the parish of Droxford, some 5 miles to the Northeast. In 1829 a chapel was built for the villagers about 100 yards to the north of this church.

When the chapel eventually became too small and the roof leaked, it was demolished but its bell tower remains and has recently been repaired and refurbished as a bat haven.

The present church, St. John's, was designed by John Colson. Frederick Townsend, who gave the first £1000 to the building fund on condition that the stonework should not be painted inside, laid its foundation stone in 1875. The variously coloured bricks and Bath Stone dressings have been used most effectively and are a monument to the art of masonry. The font from the chapel was moved to the new church.

The church was consecrated on 20th March 1880, before it was completely finished. In 1884 a transept, which formed an organ chamber was built, and an organ was bought the following year. In 1887 money was given for the tower to be constructed. The parishioners gave a clock, which is 49.5" in diameter and three hundred people watched it being installed in March 1891. Six bells were hung, and a further two in 1941. The north aisle was completed in 1895 and then the north porch. A spire envisaged by the architect was never built.

The carving behind the altar		The screen and altar
The remains of the Chapel Bell Tower		The Pulpit
Brass Plaque on the steps to the altar In thankful remembrance of the safe return from the War in South Africa (August 9 1902) of a dear son HENRY ARDEN FRANKLYN Lieutenant 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry This Pavement is offered by is Mother.

Several memorials have been added. Among these are the east window in 1898, the lovely marble pavement in the choir and choir stalls in 1903, the font canopy and delicately carved reredos in 1905, and the chancel screen in 1921. The beautiful stained glass windows were made by Hardman, and by Heaton, Butler and Bayne.

A recent addition, on the north wall, is the Millennium Embroidery depicting life and features of the three villages forming the parish. Improvements are in hand to the interior lighting and there are plans for an extension for meetings and other essentials for modem church life.