[168]Early examples of these chests for containing the parish records may be found in most old churches. Frequently they are of very rude design, and the box is formed of a single block of wood strongly bound with iron hoops. Sometimes, however, they are richly carved, as in the churches of Clymping, Sussex; Luton, Bedfordshire; and Faversham, Kent. The proper place for the parish chest is the vestry, but it is not unfrequently to be found in some other part of the church. We often meet with several large chests of common deal in various parts of the church containing useless papers and other rubbish. The sooner these are swept away the better.
[168]Early examples of these chests for containing the parish records may be found in most old churches. Frequently they are of very rude design, and the box is formed of a single block of wood strongly bound with iron hoops. Sometimes, however, they are richly carved, as in the churches of Clymping, Sussex; Luton, Bedfordshire; and Faversham, Kent. The proper place for the parish chest is the vestry, but it is not unfrequently to be found in some other part of the church. We often meet with several large chests of common deal in various parts of the church containing useless papers and other rubbish. The sooner these are swept away the better.
[169]See pages85 and 86for a description of some of these vestments.
[169]See pages85 and 86for a description of some of these vestments.
[170]It isalways lawful, and almost always desirable, to hold "vestry" meetings in some hall or room in the parish, andnot in the church vestry.
[170]It isalways lawful, and almost always desirable, to hold "vestry" meetings in some hall or room in the parish, andnot in the church vestry.
[171]Eph. ii. 20.
[171]Eph. ii. 20.
[172]Pugin'sTrue Principles of Architecture.
[172]Pugin'sTrue Principles of Architecture.
[173]Durandus.
[173]Durandus.
[174]1 Pet. ii. 5.
[174]1 Pet. ii. 5.
[175]Col. iii. 14.
[175]Col. iii. 14.
[176]John x. 9.
[176]John x. 9.
[177]Jer. xxii. 18.
[177]Jer. xxii. 18.
[178]Most persons know—at least from engravings—the famous "Apprentice Column" in Roslin Chapel. That was perhaps the first church pillar that ever was wreathed with flowers, and those stone flowers are as fresh and beautiful now as when they were carved five hundred years ago.
[178]Most persons know—at least from engravings—the famous "Apprentice Column" in Roslin Chapel. That was perhaps the first church pillar that ever was wreathed with flowers, and those stone flowers are as fresh and beautiful now as when they were carved five hundred years ago.
[179]This old custom of copying in stone or marble the surrounding objects of nature has been imitated on the capitals of pillars in the church of St. Mary, Devon, which has recently been so beautifully restored in memory of the late Bishop of Exeter.
[179]This old custom of copying in stone or marble the surrounding objects of nature has been imitated on the capitals of pillars in the church of St. Mary, Devon, which has recently been so beautifully restored in memory of the late Bishop of Exeter.
[180]Acts xiv. 13. Virgil,Æneid, i. 417; ii. 249.
[180]Acts xiv. 13. Virgil,Æneid, i. 417; ii. 249.
[181]1 Cor. xv. 42.
[181]1 Cor. xv. 42.
[182]Isa. lx. 13.
[182]Isa. lx. 13.
[183]Mark xiv. 4.
[183]Mark xiv. 4.
[184]This word, formerly speltclear story, plainly expresses its own meaning—a clear or separate story or flight of windows. They are placed between the roof and the nave arches of a church.
[184]This word, formerly speltclear story, plainly expresses its own meaning—a clear or separate story or flight of windows. They are placed between the roof and the nave arches of a church.
[185]The word corbel, Frenchcorbeille, means literally a large flat basket. It is curious to note how the word obtains its present use in architecture. After the destruction of the city of Caryæ in Arcadia by the Greeks, Praxiteles, and other Athenian artists, employed female figures, instead of columns, in architecture, to commemorate the disgrace of the Caryatides, or women of Caryæ (see Dr. Smith's Dict. of Greek and Roman Antiquities,Caryatis). These figures were always represented with corbels or baskets on their heads. The basket, being thus placed between the head of the figure and the roof, was that whichimmediatelysupported the roof. Hence those projecting pieces of stone or wood which support the roofs of our churches, as well as other buildings, have received the name of corbels.Caryatidesmay be seen on the north and south sides of New St. Pancras Church, London—a church which externally possesses all the appearances of a heathen temple, and few of a Christian church.
[185]The word corbel, Frenchcorbeille, means literally a large flat basket. It is curious to note how the word obtains its present use in architecture. After the destruction of the city of Caryæ in Arcadia by the Greeks, Praxiteles, and other Athenian artists, employed female figures, instead of columns, in architecture, to commemorate the disgrace of the Caryatides, or women of Caryæ (see Dr. Smith's Dict. of Greek and Roman Antiquities,Caryatis). These figures were always represented with corbels or baskets on their heads. The basket, being thus placed between the head of the figure and the roof, was that whichimmediatelysupported the roof. Hence those projecting pieces of stone or wood which support the roofs of our churches, as well as other buildings, have received the name of corbels.Caryatidesmay be seen on the north and south sides of New St. Pancras Church, London—a church which externally possesses all the appearances of a heathen temple, and few of a Christian church.
[186]Although the carved roofs of this period cannot compare in point of elegance and beauty with those of an earlier date, yet, for the abundance of rich and elaborate detail in wood-carving (oak and walnut), no period equalled this. The bench-ends, screens, rood-screens, tombs of wood at this time were exquisitely beautiful. The roofs, however, were too flat, and externally they were concealed altogether by parapets.
[186]Although the carved roofs of this period cannot compare in point of elegance and beauty with those of an earlier date, yet, for the abundance of rich and elaborate detail in wood-carving (oak and walnut), no period equalled this. The bench-ends, screens, rood-screens, tombs of wood at this time were exquisitely beautiful. The roofs, however, were too flat, and externally they were concealed altogether by parapets.
[187]In some chancels the idea of the keel of a ship is fully carried out, the walls widening as they ascend.
[187]In some chancels the idea of the keel of a ship is fully carried out, the walls widening as they ascend.
[188]The flat roofs well suited the heathen worship of ancient Greece and Rome, where the object of worship was shut up within the walls of the temple itself. It is far different with us, who worship a Deity who, though specially present there, is "notconfinedto temples made with hands."
[188]The flat roofs well suited the heathen worship of ancient Greece and Rome, where the object of worship was shut up within the walls of the temple itself. It is far different with us, who worship a Deity who, though specially present there, is "notconfinedto temples made with hands."
[189]Wordsworth.
[189]Wordsworth.
[190]See theBuilder, Jan. 29, 1865, "The Roof and the Spire."
[190]See theBuilder, Jan. 29, 1865, "The Roof and the Spire."
[191]So called from thetriple formof the arches it most commonly has.
[191]So called from thetriple formof the arches it most commonly has.
[192]See Parker'sGlossary, "Triforium;" and Hook'sChurch Dictionary.
[192]See Parker'sGlossary, "Triforium;" and Hook'sChurch Dictionary.
[193]It is probable that all Norman towers originally had low-pointed roofs covered with tiles (as at Sompting, Essex); tower roofs of this period with gable-ends are also sometimes to be found.
[193]It is probable that all Norman towers originally had low-pointed roofs covered with tiles (as at Sompting, Essex); tower roofs of this period with gable-ends are also sometimes to be found.
[194]Chiefly in Norfolk and Suffolk. Of these the round towers of Little Saxham and Brixham are perhaps the most interesting.
[194]Chiefly in Norfolk and Suffolk. Of these the round towers of Little Saxham and Brixham are perhaps the most interesting.
[195]There are several instances, however, in England of bell-towers standing detached from the church, as the beautiful tower at Evesham, Worcestershire, and the curious belfry at Brookland in Kent.
[195]There are several instances, however, in England of bell-towers standing detached from the church, as the beautiful tower at Evesham, Worcestershire, and the curious belfry at Brookland in Kent.
[196]Evidences of these priests' chambers exist throughout England: there are instances at Challock, Sheldwich, and Brook in Kent. In the last mentioned are the remains of an altar, with a portion of the original rude painting above it still remaining.
[196]Evidences of these priests' chambers exist throughout England: there are instances at Challock, Sheldwich, and Brook in Kent. In the last mentioned are the remains of an altar, with a portion of the original rude painting above it still remaining.
[197]Bells are said to have been introduced into the Christian Church by Paulinus; Bishop of Nola, at the end of the fourth century. The first peal of bells in England was put up in Croyland Abbey, aboutA. D.870.
[197]Bells are said to have been introduced into the Christian Church by Paulinus; Bishop of Nola, at the end of the fourth century. The first peal of bells in England was put up in Croyland Abbey, aboutA. D.870.
[198]"When they heard the bell of the chapel of Isabella sounding through the forests as it rung for mass, and beheld the Spaniards hastening to wards the chapel, they imagined that ittalked."—Irving'sLife of Columbus, ch. iv.The office of the church bell in summoning the people to prayer and holy worship was regarded in olden times with such respect that the bell was very solemnly set apart by a special religious service for this sacred use.In the churchwarden's accounts of St. Lawrence, Reading, is the following curious entry:—"1449. It payed for halowing of the bell named Harry, vjs. viijd., and over that, Sir William Symys, Richard Cleck, and Maistres Smyth, being Godfaders and Godmoder at the consecraycyon of the same bell, and beryng all oth' costs to the suffrygan."
[198]"When they heard the bell of the chapel of Isabella sounding through the forests as it rung for mass, and beheld the Spaniards hastening to wards the chapel, they imagined that ittalked."—Irving'sLife of Columbus, ch. iv.
The office of the church bell in summoning the people to prayer and holy worship was regarded in olden times with such respect that the bell was very solemnly set apart by a special religious service for this sacred use.
In the churchwarden's accounts of St. Lawrence, Reading, is the following curious entry:—
"1449. It payed for halowing of the bell named Harry, vjs. viijd., and over that, Sir William Symys, Richard Cleck, and Maistres Smyth, being Godfaders and Godmoder at the consecraycyon of the same bell, and beryng all oth' costs to the suffrygan."
[199]Kirke White.
[199]Kirke White.
[200]In the last century it was a favourite custom with village bellringers to set forth their rules in verse. They were generally painted on a board and fixed in the belfry. In all cases the rhyme appears to be the production of native talent. The rules are themselves unexceptionable. The following are examples:—In the belfry, Charlwood,—"Ye men of action, strength, and skill,Observe these rules which I do will:First,—Let none presume to swear,Nor e'er profane the house of Prayer.Next,—He that doth a bell o'erthrowA groat shall forfeit where'er he go;And if he do refuse to pay,Be scorn'd, and simply go his way,Like one who will for ever wrangleAs touching of a rope to jangle."In the belfry, Bredgar,—"My friendly ringers, I do declareYou must pay one penny each oath you do swear.To turn a bell overIt is the same fare;To ring with your hats on you must not dare."MDCCLI."In the belfry, All Saints', Hastings,—"This is a belfry that is freeFor all those that civil be;And if you please to chime or ring,It is a very pleasant thing.There is no music play'd or sungLike unto bells when they're well rung;Then ring your bells well if you can;Silence is best for every man.But if you ring in spur or hatSixpence you pay, be sure of that;And if a bell you overthrowPray pay a groat before you go."1756."
[200]In the last century it was a favourite custom with village bellringers to set forth their rules in verse. They were generally painted on a board and fixed in the belfry. In all cases the rhyme appears to be the production of native talent. The rules are themselves unexceptionable. The following are examples:—
In the belfry, Charlwood,—
"Ye men of action, strength, and skill,Observe these rules which I do will:First,—Let none presume to swear,Nor e'er profane the house of Prayer.Next,—He that doth a bell o'erthrowA groat shall forfeit where'er he go;And if he do refuse to pay,Be scorn'd, and simply go his way,Like one who will for ever wrangleAs touching of a rope to jangle."
"Ye men of action, strength, and skill,Observe these rules which I do will:First,—Let none presume to swear,Nor e'er profane the house of Prayer.Next,—He that doth a bell o'erthrowA groat shall forfeit where'er he go;And if he do refuse to pay,Be scorn'd, and simply go his way,Like one who will for ever wrangleAs touching of a rope to jangle."
In the belfry, Bredgar,—
"My friendly ringers, I do declareYou must pay one penny each oath you do swear.To turn a bell overIt is the same fare;To ring with your hats on you must not dare."MDCCLI."
"My friendly ringers, I do declareYou must pay one penny each oath you do swear.To turn a bell overIt is the same fare;To ring with your hats on you must not dare."MDCCLI."
In the belfry, All Saints', Hastings,—
"This is a belfry that is freeFor all those that civil be;And if you please to chime or ring,It is a very pleasant thing.There is no music play'd or sungLike unto bells when they're well rung;Then ring your bells well if you can;Silence is best for every man.But if you ring in spur or hatSixpence you pay, be sure of that;And if a bell you overthrowPray pay a groat before you go."1756."
"This is a belfry that is freeFor all those that civil be;And if you please to chime or ring,It is a very pleasant thing.There is no music play'd or sungLike unto bells when they're well rung;Then ring your bells well if you can;Silence is best for every man.But if you ring in spur or hatSixpence you pay, be sure of that;And if a bell you overthrowPray pay a groat before you go."1756."
[201]In the preface to the Prayer Book the curate is directed to "cause a bell to be tolled" for morning and evening prayer; but Durandus says that this ringing of the bell was itself once part of the minister's own duty.
[201]In the preface to the Prayer Book the curate is directed to "cause a bell to be tolled" for morning and evening prayer; but Durandus says that this ringing of the bell was itself once part of the minister's own duty.
[202]At Cairnwent, in Wales, the parish clerk "used often to knock a bit or two from one of the bells when any one wanted a bit of metal." In a neighbouring church two bells were taken down and sold to pay for theceiling of the roof. Many church bells in England have, alas! met with as sad a fate. The same parsimony which has sacrificed the bells has, in many cases, not spared the belfry. It seems hardly credible—but it is true—that some years ago, at St. Bride's, Monmouthshire, there being no ladder in the village long enough to reach the top of the tower,the tower was lowered to meet the length of the ladder.
[202]At Cairnwent, in Wales, the parish clerk "used often to knock a bit or two from one of the bells when any one wanted a bit of metal." In a neighbouring church two bells were taken down and sold to pay for theceiling of the roof. Many church bells in England have, alas! met with as sad a fate. The same parsimony which has sacrificed the bells has, in many cases, not spared the belfry. It seems hardly credible—but it is true—that some years ago, at St. Bride's, Monmouthshire, there being no ladder in the village long enough to reach the top of the tower,the tower was lowered to meet the length of the ladder.
[203]The following are a few examples taken from village church bells in Wales. At Nevern,—"I to the church the living call,And to the grav do summon al.—1763."At Llandyssil,—"Come at my call,Serve God, all.—1777.""Fear God, honour the king.—1777."At Llangattock,—"Be peaceful and good neighbours."
[203]The following are a few examples taken from village church bells in Wales. At Nevern,—
"I to the church the living call,And to the grav do summon al.—1763."
"I to the church the living call,And to the grav do summon al.—1763."
At Llandyssil,—
"Come at my call,Serve God, all.—1777.""Fear God, honour the king.—1777."
"Come at my call,Serve God, all.—1777.""Fear God, honour the king.—1777."
At Llangattock,—
"Be peaceful and good neighbours."
"Be peaceful and good neighbours."
[204]Such as:—on six bells at Northfield Church,—1st. "We now are six, tho' once but five,"2nd. "But against our casting some did strive;"3rd. "But when a day for meeting they did fix,"4th. "There appear'd but nine against twenty-six:"5th. "Thomas Kettle and William Jervis did contrive"6th. "To make us six that were but five."At Tamworth,—"Be it known to all that doth me see,That Newcombe, of Leicester, made mee.—1607."At Nevern,—'Thomas RudallCast us all.—1763.'
[204]Such as:—on six bells at Northfield Church,—
1st. "We now are six, tho' once but five,"2nd. "But against our casting some did strive;"
1st. "We now are six, tho' once but five,"2nd. "But against our casting some did strive;"
3rd. "But when a day for meeting they did fix,"4th. "There appear'd but nine against twenty-six:"5th. "Thomas Kettle and William Jervis did contrive"6th. "To make us six that were but five."
3rd. "But when a day for meeting they did fix,"4th. "There appear'd but nine against twenty-six:"5th. "Thomas Kettle and William Jervis did contrive"6th. "To make us six that were but five."
At Tamworth,—
"Be it known to all that doth me see,That Newcombe, of Leicester, made mee.—1607."
"Be it known to all that doth me see,That Newcombe, of Leicester, made mee.—1607."
At Nevern,—
'Thomas RudallCast us all.—1763.'
'Thomas RudallCast us all.—1763.'
[205]Durandus, "Of Bells."
[205]Durandus, "Of Bells."
[206]Ps. xcii. 13.
[206]Ps. xcii. 13.
[207]2 Cor. v. 1.
[207]2 Cor. v. 1.
[208]Heb. ix. 23.
[208]Heb. ix. 23.
[209]Eph. ii. 20-22.
[209]Eph. ii. 20-22.
[210]Isa. xxviii. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 6.
[210]Isa. xxviii. 16. 1 Pet. ii. 6.
[211]Ps. cxviii. 22. Matt. xxi. 42.
[211]Ps. cxviii. 22. Matt. xxi. 42.
[212]Eph. ii. 21.
[212]Eph. ii. 21.
[213]1 Pet. ii. 5.
[213]1 Pet. ii. 5.
[214]2 Cor. vi. 16.
[214]2 Cor. vi. 16.
[215]S. James ii. 17.
[215]S. James ii. 17.
[216]Col. iii. 14.
[216]Col. iii. 14.
[217]Ezek. xiii. 10.
[217]Ezek. xiii. 10.
[218]Ps. cxxvii. 1.
[218]Ps. cxxvii. 1.
[219]Rom. ii. 7.
[219]Rom. ii. 7.
[220]Rev. iv. 8; v. 13.
[220]Rev. iv. 8; v. 13.
[221]In the parish registry of Dymock, in Gloucestershire, is the following entry:—"Buried: John Murrel, aged 89 years. Thomas Bannister, aged 13 years." To which is appended the following note: "John Murrel and Thomas Bannister died nearly at the same moment, though the latter was in apparent good health. He had always attended upon Murrel, who was much given to prayer, and being by his bed at the time, Murrel, in his last struggle, extended his hand to him, when both instantly expired."
[221]In the parish registry of Dymock, in Gloucestershire, is the following entry:—"Buried: John Murrel, aged 89 years. Thomas Bannister, aged 13 years." To which is appended the following note: "John Murrel and Thomas Bannister died nearly at the same moment, though the latter was in apparent good health. He had always attended upon Murrel, who was much given to prayer, and being by his bed at the time, Murrel, in his last struggle, extended his hand to him, when both instantly expired."