Historical background to St. Mary’s Church, Kingsclere
Kingsclere has many royal connections from at least Saxon times - it was mentioned by King Alfred the Great in his will. The early name was simply "Clere", a parish that stretched as far as the present Burghclere and Highclere. Through the Middle Ages the Kings hunted across nearby Freemantle park. Sydmonton - on the road to Burghclere - is now the home of Lord Lloyd-Webber, which faces the Watership Down of rabbit warren renown.
There has been a church on the site of the present one since Saxon times and the present building is of Norman origin being founded around 1130-40 by Augustinian Canons of St Mary at Rouen in Normandy. Almost all the external features of the Church today result from the substantial rebuilding of 1848 when some later features were removed to render it more authentically Norman in appearance.
It is remarkable for its unusual weather vane which is affectionately known locally as The Bedbug. Legend has it that its design was determined by King John, who on one occasion being prevented from reaching his hunting lodge on Cottington Hill by fog had to spend a night in the local inn where his night was badly disturbed by bedbugs!
The church houses a 12th century font, a Jacobean pulpit and it also houses the fine 17th century Kingsmill Tomb, a fine monument dedicated to Sir Henry Kingsmill (d 1625) and Lady Bridget Kingsmill (d 1672) by their children.
There is a brief history guide as well as a detailed history booklet available in black and white (£1) or colour (£2.50) from the bookstand in the church.