World War History
Remote though the setting appears, St.Katharine’s suffered bomb damage on 7 July, 1945, near the end of the second World War. This was caused by an accidental explosion in a nearby ammunition store. As well as extensive roof damage and dangerous weakening of the north wall, much of the stained glass once gracing every window was destroyed.
By 1951 a Diocesan Committee suggested the demolition of the entire nave, retaining only the transepts. Through the perseverance of the Rev. Edward G. Courtman, Vicar of Mildenhall and the St. Katharine’s Parochial Church Council (under its then Chairman, Noel Tilley) restoration work was undertaken and the church as we see it today reopened, following six years of uncertainty, on Easter Day 1952.
William Thomas George Cope 1905-1940
William Cope is on the War Memorial at St Katharine’s Church. The story of his life from his time at St Katharine’s School, through to his war service as a Petty Officer in the Royal Navy is told in a booklet available to buy from the PCC Secretary at £3. Just send your request via email to st-katharines@savernaketeam.com
If you have information about other servicemen from the parish who are commemorated on the war memorial and/or buried in the churchyard, which you would like to share with us please get in touch using our email address above.
Building History & Information
St Katharine’s Church was consecrated by the Bishop of Salisbury on 24 September, 1861
It was dedicated to St. Katharine by Maria Caroline, Marchioness of Ailesbury in memory of her Russian mother, Katharine Woronzoff, Dowager Countess of Pembroke.
The architect T.H. Wyatt, restored and built many churches in the Diocese of Salisbury. Along with the stonemason George Howitt of Devizes, the ironworker G. Somers and the builder Daniel Jones, Wyatt created a large and spacious church. The use of warm Bath stone, the graceful vaulting and arches, the stone carving inside and out, the lovely use of marble and the glowing colours of the Minton tiles all offer the congregation and visitor many delights.
The memorial tablet by A. Gilbert R.A. behind the lectern is particularly noteworthy: interesting too are the Beatitudes on tiles high above the nave.
Although most of the stained-glass was damaged due to the ammunition store explosion in 1945 (see below in World War History), the result is that St Katharine’s is now a beautifully light church with most of the remaining stained-glass surrounding the alter.
Of the stained glass remaining, the following images are represented around the alter:
Jesus resurrected with the guards in fear below alongside Mary finding the body removed from the tomb with an Angel in its place 
Mary depicted with a red halo and Mary Magdalen identifiable by her extra long hair 
Jesus with Resurrection flag. If you look closely you can see the marks on his palm, torso and foot. 
Jesus on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:15) and Mary and the disciples at Pentecost 
Mary again identified with a red halo and the flames of the Holy Spirit on the disciples visible in pink. 
The name Cleopas is visible on the collar of the central figure to identify him with IHS on Jesus.
Jesus’ body being laid in the tomb 
Jesus on the cross with the initials INRI above 
Jesus’ final ascension in front of the disciples
Help & Support
As with all historic buildings, repairs and maintenance is on going and often costly. If you are able to help us by making a donation to ensure the church remains open for future generations please do by simply visiting our Just Giving page.
St Katharine's Church 