St Katharine’s – History

The church is dedicated to Saint Katharine of Alexandria, whose feast of title falls on 25th November. Katharine (alternative spelling Catherine) lived in the fourth century and legend has it that she was the daughter of Costus, governor of Alexandria. It is claimed that she was a noted scholar; and that she visited a contemporary, the Roman Emperor Maxentius, son of former Emperor Maximian, in an attempt to convince him of the error of his ways in worshipping false gods and in persecuting Christians. Although she failed in this, she succeeded in converting his wife, the Empress. Maxentius was furious and sent fifty of his wisest men to argue with her about her faith, but she refuted them, remaining steadfast to her Christian faith.

When the Emperor failed to win Catherine over, he commanded that all fifty wise men be burned, and that Katharine should be put in prison. When she continued to convert the people who visited her there, she was condemned to death on the wheel (this being the latest invention of that time, wickedly used as an instrument for torture). Katharine remained firm in her loyalty to Christ. According to legend, she was saved by a miracle, for a flame of lightning shattered the wheel, and she was spared the terrible torture. Finally, the Emperor ordered her to be beheaded, and she took her place among the first Christian saints and martyrs.

The parish is mentioned in documents as early as AD 675, and it is therefore certain that an earlier pre-Conquest church stood on or near the present site. Fragments of Romanesque stone carving have from time to time been found built into the walls, and these are now preserved in the church. The tower, nave, aisles and chancel of the present church were built during the first half of the 13th century.

The Domesday Book states that the Manor of Merstham belongs to the Prior and Convent of Christ Church, Canterbury, the revenues being used to provide clothing for the brethren. The gift of the Manor is said to have been made by King Athelstan in the 10th century, and it remained in the possession of the Convent until 1539 when it was surrendered to Henry VIII. The gift of the living remains with the Archbishop of Canterbury; but the parish was transferred to the Diocese of Winchester, then Rochester, and lastly Southwark in 1905.

Much more information, plus a guided tour of the church, can be found in the “History and Guide” available at the back of the church.

Peal of eight bells

St Katharine’s has a fine peal of eight bells, the oldest of which was cast in the 14th century. The bells are rung before services, and bell-ringing practice takes place each Wednesday evening from 7.30 p.m. For further details contact Jack Pease (01737 642283).