The Southampton church which claims to be the oldest in the world

Yahoo

15 hours ago

It's a claim that resonates with the echoes of centuries past, a whisper of ecclesiastical grandeur nestled within the unassuming landscape of Southampton.
Hidden in plain sight, the Jesus Chapel in Peartree lays claim to a title that few can rival - being the oldest Anglican church in the world.
Whether truly unchallenged or subject to scholarly debate, this assertion immediately casts a spell of historical intrigue over the entire Peartree area, inviting exploration into a neighbourhood rich with stories, from ancient trees to grand houses and tireless community spirit.
The tale of Jesus Chapel, now known as Peartree Parish Church, begins with Captain Richard Smith, a devout resident of the area.
Jesus Chapel.Driven by his faith and a desire to provide a place of worship for his growing community, Smith embarked on the construction of a chapel in 1618.
Consecrated in 1620, the chapel stood as a beacon of post-Reformation Anglicanism, predating many other established Anglican places of worship globally.
Its longevity and continuous use have fuelled the remarkable claim of it being the "oldest Anglican church in the world," a testament to its enduring significance, even if the title remains a point of scholarly discussion regarding continuous Anglican communion and purpose-built structures.
Over the centuries, the chapel has witnessed numerous enlargements and repairs – in 1821, 1847, 1866, and 1882 – each alteration etching new layers into its historical foundations, ensuring its survival as a vital centre for worship and community life directly facing Peartree Green.
Read more:
Saints crushed Brighton 6-1 - can we see a repeat?
The two names of locally-adored Southampton department store
The rise and fall of Southampton's world-famous carpet factory
The very name "Peartree" is not a whimsical moniker but a direct homage to a specific, legendary tree that once graced this historic ground.
Legend speaks of an ancient pear tree, situated near the parish church, so old and resilient that it survived a lightning strike, miraculously continuing to bear fruit.
This remarkable specimen, a natural landmark of great local significance, lent its name to the church, the grand house, and eventually the entire green itself.
Though the tree itself faded from existence by the late 19th century, its legacy lives on, a botanical root connecting the present-day suburb to a simpler, more agrarian past, when a single, majestic pear tree could define an entire locality.
The pear tree.
Surrounding the iconic chapel and the ghost of its namesake tree lies Peartree Green, a sprawling expanse of open land that has served Southampton in myriad capacities throughout time.
Once a vast common, it bore witness to military drills and "sham fights" in 1804, a prelude to more serious conflicts.
By the early 19th century, it was a popular spot for cricket, but the Green's history is not solely one of idyllic leisure.
In a striking turn, it was used as a refuse landfill site between 1954 and 1971, a period that starkly contrasts with its current designation.
Read more:
Rare photos show youth band through the years
The concrete tower that has stood for more than 100 years
Pub once home to strippers of both sexes and other colourful entertainment
Following this, chalk from the construction of the M27 motorway was laid across the Green in the 1970s, unintentionally creating a unique habitat that today supports a rich diversity of flora and fauna.
This remarkable ecological transformation culminated in December 2017, when Peartree Green was officially designated a Local Nature Reserve, safeguarding its unique environment for future generations, despite facing challenges such as a significant fire in 2018.
An old Dew Pond, visible on 1870 Ordnance Survey maps, further hints at its long-standing natural features.
Dominating a prominent position overlooking Peartree Green stands Peartree House, a manor steeped in history that predates even the famous chapel.
Peartree House.
Constructed between 1590 and 1600 by Francis Mylles, the house boasts an intriguing origin, having incorporated stones repurposed from the ancient Roman settlement of Clausentum - a direct link to Southampton's deep past.
The Mylles family resided here for nearly three centuries.
The house itself underwent significant architectural evolution, with alterations in the late 18th century and the addition of a distinctive castellated facade in the early 19th century, lending it a formidable, almost castle-like appearance.
Among its notable residents was General Henry Shrapnel, the inventor of the shrapnel shell, who died there in 1842.
Read more:
12 things we all did during summer holidays in Southampton in the 1980s
Stunning remnants of Southampton's shipbuilding giant can still be seen in city
River influenced many Southampton place names including Millbrook and Coxford
The estate was eventually sold for redevelopment in the 1930s, but the house itself was preserved.
Southampton Town Council acquired the property in 1949, converting it into a much-needed home for the elderly, thus ensuring its continued use and relevance to the community.
Today, Peartree House remains a Grade II listed building.
Adjacent to the spiritual heart of Peartree, just opposite Jesus Chapel, lies another building with a profound connection to the community's past: Peartree Old School.
Peartree Green School. Originally known as Peartree National Schools, this institution was built between 1848 and 1849, serving as a memorial to the Reverend William Lewis Davies.
For more than a century, it played a crucial role in educating generations of local children, adapting over time to become part of Woolston Secondary School.
By 1978, the building was deemed unsuitable for modern education, ultimately closing its doors as a school in July 1989.
However, like Peartree House, its historical significance was recognised, leading to its Grade II listing and subsequent conversion into private residences.
Read more:
How did he do it? Lorry driver drove 27-ton truck with no wheels
Forgotten footballer deserves to be remembered as a true Southampton legend
Hidden history of Southampton road with grand gates and tramway
While records also mention an infant's school built in 1897 in memory of Rev W Lewis, its specific relationship to the main National Schools building is not known, suggesting it was either an extension or a separate, smaller associated entity.
Beyond the established Anglican presence, Peartree also fostered a vibrant non-conformist tradition, embodied by the Peartree Green Congregational Church, now part of the United Reformed Church.
Its origins trace back to 1807, when itinerant preachers from Above Bar Congregational Church began spreading their message in the area.
The swelling congregation eventually acquired land in 1839, and their purpose-built church, designed by the notable architect William Hinves, opened its doors in 1840.
This architectural addition further diversified the area's religious landscape.
Peartree Green.
In 1971, the Congregational Church merged with the Presbyterians to form the United Reformed Church, marking a new chapter in its history.
Today, Peartree Green URC remains an active community hub, offering a range of weekly activities, from Ladies' Keep Fit and Choir practice to coffee mornings, badminton, and regular family worship, demonstrating a continuous commitment to local fellowship and outreach.
Originally a rural settlement, separated from the main town by the River Itchen, its development was intimately tied to the river crossings, first the Itchen Ferry and later the Floating Bridge.
The area's character shifted dramatically, particularly after its incorporation into the Borough of Southampton in 1920, leading to significant suburban expansion.
Read more:
Every Shirley resident has used this building at some point
Great Southampton historian whose works are still must-reads
Farmer risked his last coin and went on to build part of Southampton
Its proximity to the Supermarine Factory also placed it on the frontline during the Second World War, suffering considerable bomb damage. Yet, through all these transformations – from ancient common to modern suburb, from medieval fishing village to residential haven – Peartree has retained a distinct identity.
From the audacious claim of the "oldest Anglican church" that anchors its spiritual history, to the mythological pear tree that gave it its enchanting name, and the grand houses, schools, and green spaces that weave its rich tapestry, Peartree offers a compelling journey through time, one that many people wouldn't consider at first.