Though at first sight a typical mid-Victorian flint seaside church, the history of Christ Church is unexpectedly complicated. The nave was designed in 1859 by B Ferrey as a chapelry of Holy Trinity and a parish was established in 1864. The flat-topped south west tower and south aisle were added in 1870, but were part of the original design. The combination of bar and plate tracery and the elaborate arcade, which has octagonal piers, are typical of Ferrey.
In 1878 structural problems became apparent, especially with the roof and it was decided to repair and complete the church. The task was given to E E Scott and R S Hyde and the sum of £4770 was spent. They added a north aisle, which matched the existing south one except for the arcade, which has round piers, and the roof, which lacks cusping. They also designed the five-sided apsidal chancel with tall lancets and vestries. Inside, it is vaulted and is decorated with wall-arcading and punctuated by shafts. Their chancel arch is also more elaborate. As the chancel is short, the sanctuary as built included the eastern half-bay of the nave, surrounded by a low stone wall. This incorporated the pulpit and since that is known to be by Scott and Hyde, theirs must have been the whole arrangement.
A new porch was added by an unnamed architect in 1884. This is presumably the rather unimpressive lean-to at the west end. The next change was in 1921-22, when G H Shackle added a south chapel, immediately before his death (tablet in chapel). It is in the idiom of the chancel, with long lancets and a vaulted apse. It is entered through a double arch, elaborately carved with a figure of Christ in the spandrel. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Shackle had started his career as a stonemason, though he was not responsible for the carving here.
More recently, the church has been refitted which involved the removal of the dividing wall between nave and chancel, the installation of a nave altar and the replacement of the pews by chairs.
With a spectacular 'Father Willis' organ and a baby grand piano, the church holds recitals and hosts concerts from visiting musicians, performers, choirs and orchestras.
If you have never visited - why not call in and look around the church where 'Alice in Wonderland' author Lewis Carroll worshipped every summer for over 20 years (1877-1898), and where Queen Victoria's daughter Princess Alice was also a frequent visitor, taking a particular interest in the Sunday School, and see the magnificent Chancel window that was installed as a tribute to her in 1880.
To find the cache please go to the notice board in front of the church
A= number of letters in third word in the 4th line
B= number of letters in first word in the 2nd line
C= number of letters in the second word +1 in the 6th line
D= C
E= Number of words in the second line-1
Assume N50 46.FGH E000 17.JKL
F=D-E, G=B, H=B+E, J=B+E, K=(ExA)-(A+E)-(B+E), L=C-D
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See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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