St. Michael and All Angels' Church, Quarley

Church History

St Michael's Church is in the benefice of Amport, Grateley, Monxton and Quarley. 

The church has no bell-turret or bellcote. The three bells used to hang from a wooden frame only a few feet high, on the North side of the church. There are more pictures and architectural notes by Astoft (astoft.co.uk/quarley.htm). 

Services for February

With the departure of Chris Pettet, we wish to assure churchgoers that the usual services will be held in the four parish churches. The Team Rector, Chris Rankine, has arranged for all our usual programme of services to be covered by himself and the Team Vicar from the Wallops, Vanessa Cole, or by other priests. A programme has been planned up until Easter and the times will be published monthly as usual.

This is an extra load on Chris and Vanessa, when you consider that the team was formed for Chris Pettet to support Chris Rankine in his large parish, rather than the other way round, so please do continue to give them your full support.

There is no news yet on when, or if, Chris will be replaced, as in the best of circumstances it is always a long process. We have started this process by writing to the Bishop to ask for his help and support.
Church Wardens of Amport, Grateley, Monxton and Quarley

We have had a letter from a professional surveyor. He writes:

"I could give my general impression in very few words by stating that it is almost a ruin. This, however, though strictly true, would scarcely be be sufficiently definite for any practical purpose....

"The last general repair seems to have been about the beginning of the last century, and nothing much seems to have been done since... The whole church is in urgent need of repair, but the roof first and most of all. I should advise immediate renewal... The wooden belfry springing from the roof is in a similar state of decay and I should advise immediate discontinuance of bell-ringing, the vibration of which is excessive, more especially as portions of the framing take bearing on the West Gable and the movement has already slightly dislodged the stonework. There are three bells, far larger than one would expect to find in so small a church. The adjacent churches of Grateley and Thruxton have each a small tower..."

He also recommended a new porch, a new vestry, new seats and space for an organ. The letter is dated 10 November 1879. A century and a quarter later we intend to complete the task he set us, and we ask for your support and prayers.