St. John the Baptist - Windows into the Past
St. John the Baptist, Flexford Road, North Baddesley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO52 9DF
This ancient church has stood on a hill to the Northeast of the village of North Baddesley for over 1,000 years and is mentioned in the Domesday book. In 1304 the Knights Hospitallers acquired the church as well as the right to appoint an incumbent. The medieval order was founded in the holy land and known as The Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem. The exhibition will tell their story and as well as stories of other interesting people who have made an impact on the church in different ways over the centuries. In 2018 (marking 100yrs since the end of WW1) there was an amazing fall of knitted and crocheted poppies called 'Over the Top' cascading from the tower, this gained national and international fame and some of the poppies will be on show. The exhibition will also include the story of the Baptism Window which was the first window to be designed and made by Sophie Hacker who has gone on to make some truly stunning windows in other places of worship. When you have visited St. Johns you may like to travel to Romsey Abbey to see Sophie Hackers ‘Calling Window’ influenced by the life of Florence Nightingale or carry on to St. Mark Ampfield for another exhibition of ‘Windows into the Past’
St. John the Baptist, Flexford Road, North Baddesley, Southampton, Hampshire, SO52 9DF
The church may not be accessible if a funeral is taking place, there will be a notice on the entrance gate
This is an ancient church and therefore there are no toilets on site or places for refreshments, but a good sized car park. It is a hidden treasure and visitors will enjoy the breathtaking view from the churchyard of the Hampshire Countryside.