About

The dedication of this little church, sheltering under the adjoining Whittington Court, is uncertain, but the fact that it is not infequently referred to as S. Bartholomew's, suggests some reason for its connection with that Saint.

The position is, that after the Restoration of the Monarchy in the person of Charles II - 1660, the Act of Uniformity was re-enacted in 1662. By that Act, not only was the use of the Prayer Book enforced in Public worship, but an unfeigned consent and asset was demanded of every Church Minister to all contained in that Book; S. Bartholomew's Day - August 24th - was fixed as the last day for compliance with the Act's requirments. As a consequence, nearly 2000 Rectors and Vicars, or one-fifth of the English Clergy, refused to comply, and forfeited their Livings.

The then Rector of Whittington, Dr. Ingram (1629-1670) however, complied with the requirments of S. Bartholomew's Day, and remained. It is possible that in consequence, the Church became named S. Bartholomew's.

Originally, the church was a Norman structure, possibly following an earlier Saxon one, which has been added to from time to time as seen by the specimens of Early English Decorated and Perpendicular architecture. This website contains a more detailed account of the Church for which description we are idebted to the Archetectural eye and diligent research of Mr. Kenneth Young, living in part of the Court.

C. T. F. Field, Rector, 1947-69