About St. Mary Magdalen, Sheet
About St. Mary Magdalen, Sheet
The Church in Sheet
There has been a Christian Community in Sheet for a very long time, certainly since before Durford Abbey was established nearby in the thirteenth century and probably as far back as Saxon times.
After the Act of Suppression of the Lesser Houses by Henry VIII there was no Anglican religious centre in Sheet until Sheet Church was built on land donated by John Bonham Carter MP of Adhurst St. Mary, consecrated in 1868 and dedicated to St Mary. The architect was Sir Arthur Blomfield, who was also responsible for the restoration of St. Peter's, Petersfield in 1873. St Mary's was built by Mr Fletcher of Salisbury at a cost of £3,000 raised by local subscription.
The building, in the Early Decorated style of the thirteenth century, is constructed of local stone with Bath stone dressings having a nave (with no aisles), chancel, vestry. tower and steeple with clock and bell. It is a good example of a simple Victorian church typical of its period and style. A choir vestry has been added to the north side of the chancel.
More details about the church building can be found by clicking the link titled "Our Church building" on the left.