A unique and impressive Victorian church designed by Sir Thomas Graham Jackson. Truly magnificent and puts many cathedrals to shame. This tour reveals stories associated with the building, its environment and the Baring family.
The church was built by 4th Baron Ashburton and his wife Leonora; the busts of both are in the church. No expense was spared in its building. No wonder it is now a grade II* listed building.
It is unusually designed both inside and out (as a whole) by one renowned Victorian architect – Sir Thomas Graham Jackson. The church is also known for its unique churchyard flint wall – grade II listed in its own right.
Some unusual points: the church is actually built of concrete and faced with flint and limestone; it is one of the few Parish churches that maintained its candles (in counter-weighted candelabra); it has extraordinary good acoustics, as such it is often utilised as a concert venue.
The church is undergoing a programme of restoration being over 130 years old:
2015: Parish War Memorial dedicated by HM Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire.
2017: The Bells were reconditioned and augmented; 6 full circle ringing and one (the oldest made in 1602) set as a fixed calling bell.
2018: The Roof had been renewed.
2018: The heating chimney returned to its original design.
2018: The Tower and Apse Limestone renewed where necessary.
2020: The lights and wiring were replaced with safety wiring and LED lights.
2020: The Counter-weighted candelabra and font cover serviced.
2023: The organ, originally built by Charles Martin, has been restored.
2025: Curtains are being installed to reduce the carbon usage of the building.
2025: Lych-gate is being reroofed.
Event times
Wednesday 11 September: 10:00, 11:30 & 14:00
Thursday 12 September: 10:00, 11:30 & 14:00
Booking information
Pre-booking: Preferred.
Booking is preferred so the tour guide has an idea of what to expect but not totally essential. There is a car park. Please meet inside the church.
Booking opens: 15 Jul 2024
Booking closes: 11 Sep 2024
Location & directions
St John the Evangelist Church, Church Lane, Northington, Alresford, Hampshire, SO24 9TH.
Church Lane is off Northington Hill. The church has its own car park.
Additional information
Max 25 people per tour. 35 minutes.
Accessibility details
Toilet through the Vestry but at a different level to the rest of the church - accessed via outside vestry door. West door of the church is at same level of church and can be used for wheelchairs and prams. Disabled vehicles can enter the Lychgate and park outside the West door of the church. There are some steps between the Nave and Choir and again between the Choir and Altar.
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Header image: The church of St John, Northington_credit The Parish War Memorial and St John the Evangelist, Northington