St Mary’s Newent marks 350th anniversary of ‘Tumbledown Sunday’

Published: Tuesday January 14, 2025

The exterior of St Mary's Newent ChurchThis January, St Mary’s Church in Newent is hosting two events to commemorate the close of the 350th anniversary year of ‘Tumbledown Sunday’, a day in 1674 when the church collapsed under the weight of heavy snowfall. Fortunately, the collapse occurred after the Evensong service, leaving the congregation unharmed.

On 18 January 1674, the Norman church was brought down by an unprecedented snowfall. Simon Mason, the current Rector of St Mary’s, explained: “The church had a distinctive twin-pitched roof, supported by columns, and the valley between the two roof pitches succumbed to the weight of the snow. It was the same evening the congregation had their Evensong. Thankfully, everyone had gone home.”

The collapse did not mark the end of St Mary’s story but a new beginning. Plans for rebuilding were put in motion, with notable support from benefactors including King Charles II, who contributed 60 tonnes of oak from the Royal Forest of Dean.

“I think that the King’s donation might be linked to the town’s historical ties to royalist forces during the English Civil War. It is said that the rector of St Mary’s at the time, John Wilse, rode into battle alongside royalist cavalry, armed with a pistol in each hand, and helped defeat the Parliamentarians. It is thought this connection likely helped secure the King’s generosity,” Simon said.

By 1679, the classical-style church building that is used today was finished: “It was constructed by carpenters and masons who were apprentices under Christopher Wren, the architect of St Paul’s Cathedral,” Simon added.

The unsupported ceiling made from Oak, donated by King Charles IIToday, the church’s original timbers remain intact, and below them is one of the largest unsupported ceilings in the country, installed during the time of the Rector Canon Wood in 1884.

To remember Tumbledown Sunday and the church rebuilding, St Mary’s Newent has planned two commemorative services. There will be a Choral Evensong by Candlelight on Saturday, 18 January at 4pm, to mirror the last Evensong held before the church’s collapse. It features the Gloucester Cathedral Choir and will be a reflective experience of the church’s history and tradition.

Following this will be a ‘Raise the Roof’ Celebration on Friday, 24 January at 7pm, which will be a vibrant, contemporary service led by a youth band from the young adult group, supported by the local churches. This event celebrates the ministry of St Mary’s today and is focused on looking forward to the role of the church in the future.

Simon said: “The two events offer something for everyone. Evensong taps into the history of the church, while ‘Raise the Roof’ focuses on hope and vitality for the future.

St Mary's Newent original Saxon cross, which existed in the church which collapsed “When you walk into the church and see the Saxon cross from a previous church on the site, you’re reminded that people have worshipped here for hundreds of years. We are standing in a line of people who have worked hard to ensure that the church is there for future generations.

“These services are not only about remembering Tumbledown Sunday but also about celebrating the ministry of St Mary’s Church and its people, past, present and future. We hope these events will attract people from across the region, and form new connections that strengthen our mission.”

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