Beddington, St Mary the Virgin

Address: Church Road, Beddington, Wallington.

Map Ref: TQ295653

10 Bells • Tenor 18¼ cwt.

Sunday Service Ringing: 8.55 - 9.30 am, 5.55 - 6.30 pm.

Practice: Thursday 7.45 - 9.30 pm.

Entry is at the north side of the tower, through the vestry. The door is kept locked on practice nights, so the following system must be used: on the right of the door, under a carved head, is a mouldy green button. Press this, then go round to the front of the tower and the key will be thrown down to you!

This tower has its own web site.

History

There has been a place of worship on the site since AD 894. The present church is mainly medieval with Elizabethan and Victorian additions. It is a very beautiful church and contains a much admired William Morris organ screen. Next-door is the Tudor Manor House of the Carew family, one of whose relatives was Elizabeth Throgmorton, wife of Sir Walter Raleigh. He often stayed at the Manor with his body reputed to be buried under the Carew Chapel, on the south side of the chancel. There is a strong musical tradition at Beddington, with a 3-manual Willis organ and excellent fully robed choir, and a very varied concert programme each year. The ringers too, enjoy a high profile. All visitors are made most welcome.

Transport

By Road: Church is on the north side of Croydon Road - A232 (Croydon - Sutton road). Free parking is available in Church Road adjoining the church, but avoid the double yellow lines. In busy summer periods drive on down Church Road, through the Park gates and follow the road around to the right to a car park near the river.

By Train: To Waddon station, take 407 or 410 bus or walk, 20 minutes along Croydon Road, or to Hackbridge station and walk through the Park.

Facilities

Toilet facilities are available in the new centre attached to the church, on the north side of the chancel. There is also internal access from the tower.

The local ringers have always patronised The Plough (Youngs) situated on an island in Croydon Road to the East of the church - about 10 minutes walk. There is a car park and in the evenings there is free parking in the local roads. There are two good Indian restaurants near the Plough frequented by ringers, choir and clergy. Near Waddon station is a McDonalds and south of Five Ways’ junction on the Purley Way, near the old Croydon Airport is a new complex (Colonnades) with another McDonalds, Pizza Hut, a large Pub and Bowling Alley and a couple of night clubs (free parking!) Going westward into Carshalton there are numerous pubs and restaurants.