St George's Church Brockworth
St George's is a FAIRTRADE® Parish
Send mail to Webmaster
with questions or comments about this web site. Copyright © 2008 St George's Church Brockworth
Events
6th July 5 PM
Tea and Worship
18th July 7:30PM
Music for a Summers Evening With Joan Phillips and Irene Griffiths
The History of St George’s Church
The Victorian Restoration
Before 1848 the church had a tower with a high pitched roof, hipped on each side. A drawing of the church from that date has recently been turned into a pen and ink study for a mug.
In the mid nineteenth century, the church was in a very bad state of repair. Henry Yates Jones Taylor in his biography wrote "I remember Brockworth Church when it was in such a terrible state of dilapidation that the walls were supported with the trunks of elm trees. During that epoch of ecclesiastical degradation I sat in a miserable pew and saw the sunbeams dance and quiver through the crevices or fissures of the old walls, which, through neglect, were losing their pristine cohesion. The services were cold, perfunctory and irreverent. The grandeur of the old arch solemnized the building, which had a greater resemblance to a respectable barn than to a parish church sanctuary."
In 1845, Thomas Fulgarries, architect, wrote a "Report and Estimate" which included
"Re-
The minutes of the Vestry Meeting for 5th June 1846 records that "The church, which is in dilapidation, being investigated, it was agreed that the repairs should forthwith take place" Mr. John Hubert, who later undertook the contract, attended and produced a specification and estimate. The total sum amounted to £263 10s 5d and it was agreed that this be accepted and the whole was referred to the Churchwardens "That the above work be carried out"
At a further meeting on the 6th November 1846 the Vestry decided upon "taking down
a portion of the tower of the said church, which is in a dilapidated state, and re-
The Rev. J. H. Seabrook formerly Vicar of Brockworth for 56 years, died on Tuesday morning at his home, Readytoken House, Brockworth He would have been 85 on October 28 1942.
One of the best known and beloved clerics in the Diocese, Vicar Seabrook became Vicar of Brockworth in 1886, having been curate of Atherstone for four years previously.
He quickly gained the confidence and esteem of parishioners with a regard destined
to be spread to a wider sphere by reason of his public work. Always keenly alive
to the opportunities of service he be-
The members recognised his great service by a presentation to him on the last day of the Board's existence.
One of Mr. Seabrook's greatest interests was cricket, and for over half a century he had been connected with the Gloucester Cricket Club, serving as player, captain and chairman of the committee. He had also been a member of the Council of, the Gloucestershire Cricket Club.
For many years he was a member of the Gloucester Rural District Council.
When in 1936, Mr. Seabrook completed 50 years in the living of Brockworth, every section of the village joined in making a presentation to him as one who had through the long years been a faithful pastor and friend."
None who met Mr. Seabrook ever forgot his forceful but ever benevolent personality. During his conduct of public meetings he could, when the occasion demanded, be stern in demeanour and speech, but his directness was always tempered by a strong sense of humour. In every sphere in which he laboured he gave his best.
Mr. Seabrook, who retired at the end of 1941, had been in failing health for some time before his death.
He and his wife had a family of eight children. Mrs. Seabrook predeceased her husband 11 years ago.
The funeral takes place at Brockworth on Friday at 2.30.
The above is from a newspaper cutting dated 1942.
Mr Seabrook's feat of 56 years, as vicar of the parish can never be repeated because the compulsory retirement age of 70 for clergy in the Church of England prevents it!
Use these links to jump to jump to the area you wish to read.