A BRIEF HISTORY OF ST PAUL'S CHURCH, NORK
The name Nork is thought to originate from the Old English word Nook, meaning secluded, tranquil and 'a corner.' Indeed, Nork was originally the meeting place of two major trade routes, London south to the coast and East and West.
After the Coleman family left Nork House and Park for Gatton Park much of the land became available for housing development. From 1923 the old Nork estate and Warren Farm were the subject of rapid building development. The former House was demolished and Nork Park as we know it today established in part of the extensive grounds. At this time members of the Church of England felt there should be a church in the area to serve the planned new Nork Village.
In 1928 formal consent was given for the building of a church and hall on land in Warren Road. The first building was the Vicarage, from where mission work began. It has been suggested that this was with the help of Franciscan monks. The new Vicarage won an award at the ideal home exhibition of it's day for design.
St Paul's Church was opened in 1930, initially as a 'daughter' church of All Saints Banstead. The then vicar of All Saints, the Rev, A W Hopkinson drew a sketch which became the basis for the design of the original St Paul's church. It was said to resemble the inside of an ark, but upside down. The church was slightly damaged in 1944 during WWII. It was not till 1958 that work on a major new extension was started. However, this work was not completed to the highest of standards and the aisles to the North and South, along with the porch at the North West end will, in time, need replacing. Much of the woodwork within the church building features beautiful light oak.
In 1928 formal consent was given for the building of a church and hall on land in Warren Road. The first building was the Vicarage, from where mission work began. It has been suggested that this was with the help of Franciscan monks. The new Vicarage won an award at the ideal home exhibition of it's day for design.
St Paul's Church was opened in 1930, initially as a 'daughter' church of All Saints Banstead. The then vicar of All Saints, the Rev, A W Hopkinson drew a sketch which became the basis for the design of the original St Paul's church. It was said to resemble the inside of an ark, but upside down. The church was slightly damaged in 1944 during WWII. It was not till 1958 that work on a major new extension was started. However, this work was not completed to the highest of standards and the aisles to the North and South, along with the porch at the North West end will, in time, need replacing. Much of the woodwork within the church building features beautiful light oak.
In Advent 1963 a new window was installed in the Lady Chapel, depicting the Blessed Virgin Mary with child. It was given by friends and family in memory of Marie Lloyd. This is the only national memorial to one of the 20th Centuries greatest icons of stage and screen.
The location of the church is significant, at the heart of what remains of an ancient 'Round Wood' and 'Warren' from which many local roads receive their name. Much of the round wood was destroyed in the Hurricane of October 1987, however some helpful planting following the great storm has seen some of the wood, and original footpaths restored. The open space in the middle of the round wood is used by local Uniformed Groups who by permission of the Church Council also use a hut on the same site as their headquarters. This was built in the mid 1980’s and has undergone recent renovations.
In April 2006 the Bishop of Guildford, with permission from the Crown, suspended the 'Living' for a period of five years on the grounds of pastoral need. The current parish priest was appointed for a five year period in June 2006, as 'priest in charge.' Following a successful fundraising challenge the decoration of the interior of the church was restored in 2007. Further works to improve facilities within the church building are planned for 2009/10 including a kitchen, library and crechè area for young children.
Longer term a scheme to replace the south isle with a new church hall is being considered.
Updated June 2009.
For more information on the History of St Paul’s Church, Banstead please pick up a copy of ‘A History of the Parish of St Paul, Nork by Renèe Willcox.
