HERE - St Nicholas Hedsor

S T. NICHOLAS' CHURCHHEDSORHISTORY AND GUIDEJonathan RushworthTEXT ONLY EDITION

ContentsPageIntroduction 1Saint Nicholas 3Setting the Scene 3Early Records and Patronage 6Lords of the Manor 8Time Line 11Registers 12The Nave, Aisle and Baptistry 12The Bells 16The Chancel and Sanctuary 17The Organs 18The Treasures 22The Churchyard and Surrounding Area 23The Millennium Appeal 25Services 28Lords of the Manor 29Clergy 30Acknowledgements and Bibliography 31

IntroductionShout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.Worship the Lord with gladness;Come before him with joyful songs.(Psalm 100 v 1 and 2)When writing this history and guide, I have been conscious of the depth of history involved,and the dedication, love and nurture of St Nicholas’ church as a place to worship God, fromits founding, probably as a chapel around the time of the Norman conquest. It wassubsequently expanded extensively and changed internally in the Victorian era and muchwork carried out as part of the Millennium Appeal, which reflects the devotion to itspreservation and maintenance by past and current generations.Those who were involved in the original building and all those who subsequently developedit into the church it is today, must have been very aware of its beautiful position overlookingthe Thames Valley. Its position gives it a particularly tranquil feeling, but it is clear fromthe numbers of worshippers over the years and the dedication shown to the fabric of thebuilding, that it has formed a central part of the community in the parish over the centuries.Those worshipping and involved in the church have not only included the very wealthy, inparticular the Boston family who for several generations lived at Hedsor House, butnumerous others from all walks of life.Although it is tucked away on its own grounds, in the midst of a private estate, surroundedby fields and woods, in a parish of about 125 folk, the church should not be thought of as arelic of the past. It is a thriving place of worship for the parish and surrounding area, withan electoral role of over 60 and attendances at services of between 20 and 40 worshippers.Regular services are held in the church. The peaceful rural position set in its countrychurchyard provides a great draw to people who appreciate a reflective atmosphere, awayfrom the busy surrounding towns. This aspect provides a considerable contrast to manychurches in local parishes.The church community is involved in running the very popular Hedsor Fair each year in thegarden of a house on the River Thames, as well as participating in local activities. It alsosupports its own Harvest Supper each year, and an annual Harvest, Flower and works of ArtFestival, which attracts many visitors to the church.The Friends of Hedsor Church organize a number of activities, for instance talks and concertsin the church, as well as providing funding for building maintenance and other projects.This booklet commences with a description of St Nicholas to whom the church is dedicated.A general introduction to the history of the church from available information is then setout, with the development of its history through the early patronage of the Lords of the1

Manor. It continues with a more detailed description of various features of the church andits contents, and a description of some items of interest in the churchyard and the surroundingarea. It concludes with a summary of the works carried out as part of the Millenium Appealand those who were directly involved, as well as appendices showing the Lords of theManor, the Incumbents and acknowledgements and bibliography and the layout of thechurch.The quotations from the Bible (New International Version) are intended to place the historyand guide in the context of the purpose for which the church was built and maintained; it isa place to worship together and to celebrate the wonder of God.The booklet builds on the history and guide I prepared in 1996 with illustrations by my wife,Rosemary. The earlier booklet was based on information collected together by Mary Laws,a long time member of the congregation, member of the PCC and churchwarden. This newedition incorporates a description of the works carried out as part of the Millennium Appeal,as well as expanding on earlier information, in particular as a result of the work carried outby NADFAS in their comprehensive Record of the Church Furnishings published in 2008.I am particularly grateful for all their thorough research and scholarship which has enabledme to expand on earlier descriptions in a way which should make much of the informationI have recorded more interesting and informative.I would also like to record my thanks to Jenny Hardwick for her help in typing the first draftof this booklet and to John Rosewarne for his considerable help and expertise in providingthe photographs and his advice on layout and reading the text closely. The usual caveatapplies, that I remain responsible for the text.Jonathan RushworthAugust 20122

St NicholasSaint Nicholas was born in 270 and died in 343 AD. He was Bishop of Myra in Lycia, whichis now part of Turkey, and it is said he attended the Council of Nicea in AD 325. He ispatron saint of children, sailors, travellers, merchants and of a number of countries includingFrance, the Netherlands and Russia. His image is portrayed on numerous Eastern Orthodoxicons especially in Russia. His feast is on 6th December, but he is now associated withChristmas also, and may have been the model for Santa Claus. In 1087 merchant seamenfrom Bari, forestalling the Venetians, carried his bones to Bari from Myra. They now restin the crypt of the Basilica of St. Nicola.The three golden balls of the Medici arms, adopted by pawnbrokers as their sign, are derivedfrom the three bags of gold which St. Nicholas is said to have thrown into the house of animpoverished family to provide dowries for the three daughters. In one of his celebratedmiracles he is said to have asked sailors in Myra to unload part of their cargo of wheat tohelp those suffering from famine. They reluctantly agreed to do so and, when they reachedtheir destination in Constantinople, they discovered that the original weight of their cargowas still in the ship despite the reduction as requested by St Nicholas.He had a reputation for the secret giving of gifts, such as placing coins in the shoes of thosewho left them out for him. He became one of the most venerated saints and is rememberedas “an example of faith and an icon of gentleness”.Setting the SceneLook to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles,and the judgments he has pronounced.(1 Chronicles Chapter 16 v11&12)St. Nicholas’ is the parish church for Hedsor, a tiny parish bordering on the River Thamesnear Bourne End in Buckinghamshire, with a population living in the parish of about 125adults. The name Hedsor is thought to be derived from Anglo-Saxon, in which "haed" wasa heath and "sceran" a scar which is a cut or sheer descent. Alternatively, the name couldmean "the wharf on the river bank" based on heda, meaning a small wharf or landing place,and "ora" being the bank of a stream. Intriguingly, the name is a combination of the lastsyllables of Maidenhead and Windsor, but this is probably no more than coincidence.Records state that the parish has also been known as Heddesore, Heddysworth, Edyssoreand a number of other variations.The volume of Phillmore's Parish Register Series, containing details of the marriage registerof Hedsor, reports that the parish "possesses neither shop, post-office, public house nor3

chapel." However, there was a school in the parish which was built by Lord Boston in 1858,which was transferred to the care of the Church Commissioners in 1914. The school closedin 1971. The register states that the parish borders the Thames, is about 300 ft above sealeveland "a splendid view of the surrounding country is to be obtained here...The church isvery small and charmingly situated." The views from the churchyard are along the ThamesValley, over Cookham and Bourne End, towards Marlow, which lies behind the spur ofWinter's Hill.A description of the church in 1715 by the then incumbent, Reverend Nathaniel Smalley,refers to it as "a little low church on the side of a hill by the Gentleman's House. It is builtwith Chalk stone and Flints. The Roof is tiled, there is one little bell in it. The CommunionTable has lately been raild in. There is for the furniture of it beside Carpet and Cloth, onelarge Silver cup and cover to it, the gift of Will Chilcot Esq the elder, and one Silver Salverthe gift of the present Widdow Chilcott". The silver cup was reported by Lord Bostonsubsequently to be of pewter. This cup was stolen from the church in 1972.It was later described in Thomas Langley’s History of the Antiquities of the Hundreds ofDesborough (published in 1797) as "a small indifferent building about 45 feet long and l8broad. The desk and pulpit and altar are plain and decent: the font is a small marble urn,placed against the wall: the whole is kept in great order and neatness. In the east windowof the chancel are six small paintings illustrative of scripture history; and in the west windoware the arms of the late Lord and Lady Boston."In 1899, Lord Boston described the Church as not presenting any special architecturalfeatures, outside or inside, but thought it not devoid of interest from its quaint appearanceand its beautiful situation overlooking the Thames valley. In its the description of the RiverThames, Tomblesons’ The Thames published by Tombleson & Co, 11 Paternoster Row,London in 1830 refers to the surrounding scenery and the church.The scenery now becomes extremely beautiful; the Hedsor heights rising fromtheir chalky beds with the hanging woods above, connected with the bolder andmore richly variegated foliage of Cliefden. Hedsor church occupies a highlypicturesque situation, embosomed in trees and placed on a hillock near thesummit of the heights. Hedsor Lodge, the seat of Lord Boston, stands on acommanding eminence, overlooking some of the most picturesque parts of Berksand Bucks.In a Picturesque Tour of the River Thames in its western course, by John Fisher Murray,published by Henry G Bohn, York Street, Covent Garden, London in 1862, the church andits surrounds are described as follows:Few parish churches are smaller than that of Hedsor, but few, very few, are sodelightfully placed or so well worthy a visit, were it no more than to admire thedelightful views afforded from the spot wherein it is situated.4

Hereabouts are many rotund knolly hills, of no very great elevation, yetcommanding beautiful and extended prospects; some rejoicing in the richestverdure, covered with browzing flocks and herds; whence, sweetly softened bydistance, comes across the vale the tinkling sound of sheep-bells: otherscoroneted with groves of venerable oaks, murmuring in hoarse and lowsympathy with the freshening breeze of evening: this, holier than the rest, standsforward from its fellows, proudly rearing upon its crest the lowly house ofprayer. It was the hour of setting sun when we reached the spot, and thehorizontal ray lit up every window, illumining the sacred edifice as with a holylight: twilight was upon the hill-tops, and upon the vales the blackening shadesof night had already descended: far to the west the landscape was parted bythe waters of Thames, and upon the edge of the empurpled horizon twinkledone little star: peace was upon the waters and upon the earth, descending withthe dew upon tree and flower: the tinkling of the sheep-walk was hushed, andanimated nature sought repose: it was the place and hour when we forget fora moment that we are mortal, and find, we know not how or why, the soulexpanding beyond its narrow house: when the desire of clinging to the poorconcerns of our present life becomes less strong within us, and we think weshould not care how soon the spirit parted from its confining clay.Nor was our little church, when we visited it, without its congregation: fromthe low embattled tower the owl hooted her melancholy, but to us notunpleasing notes: bats flitted past with capricious erratic flight, like unhappysprites of air: nor did we want an anthem; while gazing upon the watersblackening into shade, and marking the rapid, yet almost imperceptiblegraduations, by which night asserts her empire over earth – hark! thenightingale; now with slow and unconnected notes essaying her nocturnal song;now swelling by degrees into one unintermitting flow of various melody; nowtrilling soft, almost inaudible lays; now harsh with loudness; and soon, toosoon, subsiding into silence, leaving the wanderer to pursue uncheered hisdevious, uncertain way.One circumstance connected with Hedsor churchyard we must animadvertupon: the noble owner of the manor, it appears, does not permit the graves ofthose interred there to be individualised; at least we could observe no mouldingheaps, but a mere level sward, with here and there a small tablet, placed flatupon the turf: the immediate vicinity of the church to the mansion of the lord ofthe manor may make this course expedient, as a gratification to the eye, yet wethink the individuality of the habitations of the lowly dead should for ever besacred – “Each in his narrow home.”Charles Knight in Passages of a Working Life during Half a Century, published in1864 byBradbury & Evans, 11 Bouverie Street, London, also refers to the church and its position onthe hilltop:5

“Let him cross the Thames at Cookham and ascend the hill to Hedsor, to lookupon a scene which others have felt to be as beautiful as I felt to be in my earlymanhood. My heart leapt up, a short while since, when I read in HenryKingsley’s “Ravenshoe” a description of a landscape, every feature of which Ishould have recognized even though he had not said, “You may see just such ascene, with variations, of course, from Park Place, or Hedsor, or Cliefden, orfifty other houses, on the king of rivers.” “The Plain Englishman” (of whichwork I shall have to speak) contains a tale written by me, and my descriptionof the scene in which the story is laid points unmistakeably to Hedsor: “Thesituation of this churchyard was one of singular loveliness. It terminated a hill,which, for several miles, formed a precipitous and rugged bank to the curvingriver which it overshadowed. The cliffs of chalk, sometimes rising abruptlyfrom the water’s edge, without a path or verdure, and sometimes presenting aslip of grass or foliage, where the human foot was wont to tread - here andthere adorned with stately beeches, towering one above the other in clusteringpride, and here and there discovering only a few ancient and fantastic yews; -the expanse of luxuriant pastures, through which the Thames wandered, withtheir scattered habitations of contented industry; - the gently-swelling hills ofthe distance, marking the horizon with their soft outlines, and carrying theimagination forward to the devious course of the same placid river betweentheir bosoms; - this landscape possessed all the richness and grace of lowlandscenery, with some small portion of the wildness that belongs to the regions ofrapid streams and mighty mountains. But it was strictly English scenery; andsuch scenery as England only can furnish, in its fertility and variety.”Louisa, Lady Knightley of Fawsley reported in her Journals on 27th May 1866 publishedby John Murray, Albermarle Street, London in 1915 that, whilst staying at Cliveden, shevisited “ a dear little village church and had a nice service and a good sermon on the text“He that hath My Commandments and keepeth them etc”. She was staying with QueenVictoria at Cliveden and later that day drove with the Queen and Princess Helena throughthe grounds at Dropmore to Burnham Beeches. Queen Victoria frequently stayed at Clivedenand often visited Hedsor House. A drive from the house to the church is named after her. Ithas been suggested that she may have visited St Nicholas’ during one of her stays in the areabut there seems to be no evidence of this.Early records and patronageAnd all the people gave a great shout of praise to the Lord,because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid.(Ezra Chapter 3 v 11, part)There is uncertainty as to when the church of St. Nicholas was founded, although it mayhave been by one of the Lords of the Manor of Wallingford, probably soon after theConquest. It is not known whether any of the original building remains, although the chancelmay be part of it. The name appears in the old land record, Liber Antiquus or Ancient Book6

of Ordinaries of Vicarages, in about 1218 and also in a Charter of Missenden Abbey. LiberAntiquus refers to "the Vicarage in the Church of Hadeshowere which is of the Prioress andNuns of Merlawe". In the Charter of Missenden Abbey of the 13th century, there is referenceto "an obligation from the Prioress of Merlawe of 4s to be rendered to the Abbey ofMissenden for the grove which is called "Ludeput" near the dike of the land of the Churchof Heddesore, and an acre and a half of land which lie near the land of the Church of thesame vill, towards Wouburn".The church was probably a chapel for Little Marlow Priory which was a small Benedictinecommunity. For many years chaplains were appointed for St Nicholas’ by the Priory. ThePriory was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and was referred to in early documents as“Prioritus de foritibus de Merlawe”. It was on the site of what is now the Abbotsbrook Estatein Bourne End. The Parish was also mentioned in the Assize Rolls for Bucks of 1240-1,which referred to a theft and outrage committed at the house of Josceus, the Chaplain ofHedsor.In 1340-1, a Commission was issued to enquire about "ninths of sheaves fleeces and lambsgranted to the Lord the King in the County of Buckingham". Hedsor is referred to among"the small benefices not taxed and untitheable churches" and the church was called a chapel.It was added that the “ninth of the same chapel was worth 20s and not more this year.”Bishop's Buckingham Register states that, in 1377, "Robertus, Capellanus et Procuratorecclesie de Hedesore" was one of the jurors who enquired about the vacancy of the churchof Little Marlow and, in 1383, Randolph Restwold, the younger, Lord of the Manor,bequeathed in his will "one torch" to serve "in levacione Corporis Christi" to the "high altarof Heddesore".Although the parish was small, it seems that the ownership of the living was bitterlycontested. Hedsor was in the Diocese of Lincoln until 1837, so the Bishop had an interest.William the Conqueror had presented his brother-in-law, Regimius, with the Diocese ofLincoln and, from then until the dissolution in 1536, there was also a Royal interest in thechaplain's appointment. It is thought that the Crown, through the Honor of Wallingford,was the true Patron of Hedsor from the earliest times, although the Priory appointed chaplainsunder an arrangement made at some early date with the Patron. The Crown's right ofpatronage had not been exercised from early in the thirteenth century until 1403 when thePrioress was shocked to find John Stephen, Chaplain, presented by the Crown.Little Marlow Priory, of which Hedsor was a chapel, had a Prioress and four or five nuns.In a desperate effort to regain control, the Prioress tried to discredit John Stephen. Theaccusations she made before the Court have been recorded in the De Banco Roll, as follows:-"John Stephene, Chaplain, was summoned to answer the Prioress of LittleMerlawe of a plea wherefore with force and arms, he broke into the close andhouses of the said Prioress at Little Merlawe, and there made an assault on thesaid Prioress, and struck wounded and illtreated her, and took and carriedaway her goods and chattles to the value of 40s found there and at Heddesore,7

and did other enormous things to her, to the grave damage of the Prioress, andagainst the King's peace."The attack took place on 14th September 1402, which was shortly before John Stephen'sinstitution as Rector and, on another occasion, he was accused of taking household utensils,vestments, books and keys. The damage was valued at ten pounds. He denied the chargesand the Sheriff commanded twelve jurors to come to the Octaves of St. Hilary, where theCrown intervened and won the case.In 1406 a suit in the Court of Arches concerned a Writ of Prohibition issued by the Kingdirecting the Archbishop of Canterbury to stay the proceedings brought by the Priory ofLittle Marlow with respect to the Presentation of John Stephen. This action effectively endedany right of the Priory at that time to any arrangement there may have been to appointchaplains.Lords of the ManorTherefore everyone who hears these words of mineand puts them into practice is like a wise man whobuilt his house on the rock. The rain came down, thestreams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house;yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.(Matthew Chapter 7 v 24 & 25)Church maintenance seems to have been the province of the Lords of the Manor. In 1496Robert Restwold bequeathed in his will "to the makyng of the steple and mendying of thesetes in the Church of Hedsore X marks." Edward Restwold in 1524 left sums by way of“reparations for the Parish Church and ornaments of Hedsor”. By 1535, a commission (asrecorded in Valor Ecclesiasticus) was issued by Henry VIII to establish the value of all thepossessions of the church, and Hedsor's entry is referred to, under the Monastery of LittleMarlow, as "worth in common year £4" and "for the King's tenth part 8s". In 1536 thePriory of Little Marlow was dissolved, as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries by HenryVIII, and the site was leased to Elizabeth, daughter of Edward Restwold.In 1537 Bisham Abbey was "refounded" and the sites formerly belonging to the Prioress ofLittle Marlow and Medmenham, including Hedsor, were transferred to Bisham. Thisfoundation was subsequently dissolved in 1540, when the lands were granted by the Kingto John Tytley and his wife, Elizabeth Restwold, "in consideration of the good true andfaithful service which our beloved John Tytley, Gentleman of our household, hath heretoforedone to us for the sum of £585-13-4".In 1552 an inventory of "Church Goods", called an Indenture, was prepared of "all the goodsand plate juells and all other ornaments petyying to the Church of Hedysore in the Countyof Buk." The list of items numbered about 30 and included "l chalys p.cell gylt, vestments- the best of red velvette, … the next of sylke dyed, thyrd of old sylk with stoles, … hangy8

for the frount of the Alter of red velvette, cope of old sylke,…lytylle Latin candellstyckes,…old leden candell styckes, … hand belles, payer of old latin sensers, crosses of latin, crossclothe,… banner cloths of buckaram, stayned, leden crewettes". The Indenture was signedby William Sowthal. All these items were promptly taken by the Crown and committed tothe safe custody of the Crown. As described in the official document: “comytted to the sayffecustodie of the same, until the Kynge’s Maty pleasure by further known”.The Manor was owned by the Restwold family from 1379. It then came into the possessionof Sir Edward Peckham, who sold it in 1556 to Ralph Hawtrey, who was Sheriff ofBuckinghamshire in 1558, and in 1573 he sold it to Rowland Hynde. The Hynde familywere Lords of the Manor and patrons from 1573 to 1658.Augustine Hynde, father of Rowland Hynde and Sheriff of London in 1551, is said to havebeen buried in the churchyard in 1574, with his name, date and years on a massdial cut inthe chalk on the outside of the chancel, "seemingly by some rude hand at the time of hisfuneral." Traces of this (and other markings) can still be faintly seen on the corner of thesouth wall, although it may be that the rough sundial which can be seen is no more than aresometimes found on old churches, probably to indicate the time at which services were held.It is suggested that the dial could date from 15th to early 16th century.Rowland Hynde, who died in 1608, was buried beneath the chancel floor. The flagstoneforming his tombstone and that of his wife, Elizabeth, the daughter of Sir Robert Drury, whodied in 1606, were moved by Lord Boston in 1879 to the outside of the church near the eastwindow. The wording on his tombstone states that he "reedified this Church”, although itis not clear what the reedification involved. The tombstones of their second son, RowlandHynde, who died in 1658, and his second wife Elizabeth who died in 1651, were also moved,and lie adjacent to the flagstone recording the death of Rowland Hynde senior.It was during Rowland Hynde's patronage that Nicholas Sheffield was presented to the living.The Archdeacon's Visitation in 1612 shows that he was "no preacher" and that there hadbeen no sermons for 34 years. There is an entry in the churchwarden’s accounts of a paymentto “John Wiekes, for grinding up on Saboth daies and Holedaies”. By 1637 the church hadfallen into a state of disrepair. A Commission issued at that time into the condition ofchurches in Buckinghamshire and elsewhere showed that many aspects required attention,for instance, some seats needed boarding and repairing, stairs should replace the ladder tothe pulpit, a window was "damb'd up", and the church porch lacked a door.There is a record in the Court Rolls of the Manor of Hedsor that Thomas Reading, the tenantof Lamberts farm in Lillyfee, on St. Stephen's Day in 1603, "did serve the first dish of thesecond course to the table of Roland Hynde (the Lord) at dinner-tyme and did bring withhim to the said house of the said Lord two henns, one cock, one gallon of ale, two manchetsof white bread." On the same day after dinner Rowland Hynde rendered to Thomas Reading,to be kept at his cost, for the service of Rowland Hynde, a sparrow hawk and a couple ofspaniels. This service was due from Lamberts Farm and was paid until 1837.9

HEDSOR TIMELINE11

RegistersGive thanks to the Lord, for he is good;his love endures for ever.(1 Chronicles Chapter 16 v 34)There are baptism, marriage and burial registers for the parish from 1678. The volume from1678-1745 comprised five skins of parchment, sewn along the middle to make ten leaves.Lord Boston reported that there are entries in the early registers of Little Marlow referringto Hedsor, in the case of burials and marriages from about 1559 and in the case of baptismsfrom 1562 to 1590. He referred in particular to the baptism of "Raphe the sonne of EdwardHawtery gent" in August 1570 and the burial of "Edithe Hynde of Hedsor" in November1575.It seems that the long association between the parishes, dating back to the connectionbetween St. Mary's Priory in Little Marlow and Hedsor, still existed. One part of Hedsor isshown in an ordinance survey map of 1870 as being in Well End, but this was absorbed intoLittle Marlow by the Divided Parishes Act 1892.The Nave, Aisle and BaptistryYou, O Lord, keep my lamp burning;my God turns my darkness into light.(Psalm 18 v 28)Lord Boston's agent and architect for the restoration and renovations which commenced inl859 was Montagu Hepworth. He and his wife Alice lived in Hedsor Priory from the 1880s.He died in 1912 and his wife continued to live in the Priory until she died in 1936. They areboth buried in the churchyard, together with their eldest son Reginald.A false ceiling had been built over the nave. The earlier pews were like "horse boxes", asLord Boston described them, where the "upper servants" from Hedsor House sat, except atthe west end, at the back of the church, where there were two large bench pews raised up byshort supports on which sat the choir and the other servants who worked at Hedsor House.The senior servants sat in the chancel, while the manorial pews were situated on the northside of the church facing south, discreetly hidden behind a latticed screen and with the luxuryof a fireplace.These were all removed in 1862 and in the nave pitch pine pews, stained and varnished,replaced them. They were modelled on pews in Cookham Church. The present oak pewswere installed in 1897. The end of each pew is carved, each one in a different pattern. One12

of them is carved with the word “Alleluya” which may have signified a celebration of thecompletion of all the pews. The front pew in the aisle was the old private pew of the Bostonfamily and had a drawer under the seat for prayer books, but was removed to make way forthe new organ console. The wooden decorative screen on the front of this pew was movedto the pew behind.The pews were made by Messrs Thompson of Peterborough under thesupervision of Montagu Hepworth.The ceiling was taken out and the old "principals" exposed, the roof itself being cased infalse rafters. The area where the north aisle is situated was a lean-to building divided intotwo parts, one of which held the school. The other half was for the use of the minister. Thiswas demolished in 1862 and the aisle was added, with pillars and arches separating it fromthe nave. Lord Boston spent £300 on restoration work in the church in 1862. As part ofthis, battlements surrounding the bell tower were removed. When the vestry was built in1881, access was gained to it by a door made in place of a window in the north wall of theaisle (near to where the organ console is now situated) and five pews were screened formanorial use. This door now leads to a covered walkway to a toilet equipped for the disabled.This was built as the final part of the work on the church following the Millenium Appeal,described later in this booklet. The toilet was awarded The Ibstock Downland Prize forArchtiects in RIBA South East and South 2006. The architect was Anthony Mealing, ofTebbot and Wells, High Wycombe and the contractor, Luxton and Cross, Marlow. Theywere also given The Chiltern Conservation Board and the Chiltern Society Building DesignAward 2005 (Special Project Award). The robing vestry was added in 1892.The oak lectern of 1862 was replaced in 1881 by a brass lectern. The original lectern wasgiven to Llanidon Church in Anglesey in 1881. This church was on the Boston family estatein Anglesey. The current oak lectern was supplied in 1970 by Sydney Harris’ company inHigh Wycombe, Harper Wycombe Ltd, and was carved by him. He was churchwarden forl4 years.Montagu Hepworth designed the stone pulpit, with its marble top, using material from theLligwy quarries in Anglesey. It was originally made in 1862 and stood at first on the northside of the church, before being moved to its present position in 1887, when the marble andmosaics were added. On the wall near the pulpit is a Latin Cross made of English lime witha figure of the crucified Christ. This was carved, in 2000, by Colin Mantripp, Master Carver,of Lillyfee Farm. The font, which dates from 1862, was also designed by Montagu Hepworthand stands in the centre of the baptistry on an octagonal platform of Bath stone. It wasenclosed behind elaborate brass gates, which were removed in the 1950s. The cover to thefont, made of elaborately carved oak, was presented by Reverend Morcan Kirkland in 1886.He was Rector at St Nicholas’ from 1880 to 1904.Before the Baptistry was built in 1886 to replace the earlier porch, the font stood in the centreof the nave, but without the carved wooden cover. A white marble Latin cross sits on the topof a four-stepped plaster plinth on the window reveal of the Baptistry. A Millennium painting,by Ruby Lunn, a former PCC member and churchwarden, was presented to the church byher in 2000. It depicts the numbers 2000 vertically and the words of Isaac Watts, “O God13

our help in ages past, our hope for years to come”, against the numbers in the date.In his history of the church in 1899, Lord Boston states that most of the structural alterationsfrom 1881 were carried out by Messrs Silver & Sons of Maidenhead from the design andunder the superintendence of Mr. Hepworth, with much of the cost being borne by LordBoston.There is a plaque of black stone set in the north wall in memory of Montagu Hepworth,“architect, inventor & engineer”, which records that he lived at Hedsor Priory, was born in1847 and died in 1912. The plaque, which was installed in 1986, records that he designedand built the original pipe organ in the church in 1893, which he played every Sunday. Itmentions that this was the first organ to be operated by hydraulic power. The memorial wasinstalled by his grandchildren "in loving memory and admiration for his originality andingenuity." The organ is described in greater detail later in this booklet.There is a Roll of Honour on the north wall to the 21 men of the parish who served in theGreat War (1914-1918) and to those who died. The east window in the church was dedicatedin 1921 to those who died in the Great War. On the outside of the east wall of the church isa further memorial to those who died in the Great War. The inscription states:-Remember, O Lord, these thy servants who going forth fromthis Parish fell in battle for their country in theGreat War 1914-19.Lt. Arthur Montagu Hepworth MC RAFPte. Henry Ayres 1st Bn. Royal Berks.Pte. Walter House 2nd Bn. Royal FusiliersPte. Joseph Pheby 5th Bn. Royal Berks.Arthur Montagu Hepworth, was born in Hedsor Priory in September 1886 and baptised inthe church the following month. He was killed in action in Palestine on 4th May 1918 andwas buried in a military cemetery near Jaffa. He was awarded the Military Cross and wasmentioned in dispatches. His eldest brother Reginald was born in March 1878 and died ofdiphtheria at the Priory in 1898. He is buried in the churchyard. Their middle brother Paulwas born at the Priory in June 1885 and baptised in the church in July 1885. He served inthe Great War, in which he suffered severe leg injuries; he died in 1957.Also on the north wall of the aisle is an oak board listing the incumbents of the Parish from1201 to 1994. It is headed St Nicholas’ Church Hedsor and sets out their names, date ofappointment, their patron and whether they resigned or died. Interestingly, one of them,Rev. Thomas Kyrkham, is described as having been “Deprived” and another, Rev. WilliamHudson, is described as “removed 1664.” The details on the board are set out later in thisbooklet. Reverend George Gretton who was Rector at Hedsor from 1803 was at some timeChaplain to the King.14

The resurrection window to the west end of the nave consists of the figure of the risen Christwith a cross and a furled banner bearing a red cross, with his right hand held in blessing; theangels guarding the tomb; Mary the Mother of Jesus, Mary Magdalen and Mary, wife ofCleophas; Gabriel sitting on the stone tomb; and St John and St Peter looking on. Thiswindow was dedicated, by his “attached friends and neighbours”, to Florance George HenryIrby, 5th Lord Boston who died on 4th January 1877 aged 39.In the north wall of the aisle are four windows. One is in memory of Hon Frederica MariaLouisa Hussey in 1885 (and placed by her son and other relatives) and depicts St. Luke(holding an open book and a quill pen) and St. Mark (holding a closed book and a quill pen),presumably showing them as writers of two of the Gospels. Another window in the northwall of the aisle shows St. Matthew and St. John. As with St Luke and St Mark, they areshown holding a book in one hand and a quill pen in the other as authors of Gospels. Thiswindow is in memory of Arthur C. Page BA, Priest, and was presented by the Parishionersof Hedsor in 1883.Also in the north wall are windows showing a pre-Raphaelite style figure holding scales anda sword, with the words "Do Justly" in a scroll below, and a figure in a green, gold and whitegown carrying a child, with the words "Love Mercy" in a scroll below. These were donatedby the Reverend Morcan Kirkland in 1893.The windows in the south wall of the nave at the east end show St. Catherine holding agolden spoked wheel in her right hand and a sword in her left, and St. Cecilia holding a goldand silver portative organ. The window is in memory of Fanny Isabella, the first wife of SirPercy Anderson who died on 9th October 1879. The windows in the baptistry depict Christstanding in a river surrounded by a tree, shrubs and flowers, with a dove descending, andJohn the Baptist holding a scallop shell and a pennant, bearing the words "Ecce Agnus Dei"(Behold the lamb of God; John Chapter 1 v 36), also surrounded by a tree, shrubs andflowers, below which are the words "One Faith, One Baptism". The window was a thanksoffering by the Rector (Reverend Morcan Kirkland) and his sister in 1886.Another window in the baptistry shows St Raphael holding a pilgrim’s staff in his right handand a fish attached to gold cord in his left hand. This window is in memory of Captain T.Munro McDonell (6th Madras Light Cavalry), who was born on April 1837 and died on 4thAugust 1880. The final window in the baptistry depicts the Archangel Gabriel carrying alily with three white flowers in his left hand, and his right hand held in blessing. The windowwas given by the Children of the Parish at Christmas in 1886, to the “Glory of God in theHighest”.The windows on the south wall of the nave at the west end show Moses carrying two tabletsof stone and Elijah with a black raven perched on his right hand. These were “Erected toGlory of God and in loving memory of their Ancestors by the Lunnon Family A.D. 1886".15

The BellsLet the Heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;let them say among the nations, “The Lord reigns!”(1 Chronicles Chapter 16 v 31)There is one bell in the belfry, which is inscribed "A.K. 1700", an unknown founder. Thebell was re-hung by Whites of Appeleton, Abingdon, in 1997. The bell is hung for swingchimingfrom a wooden headstock. The frame consists of two upright wooden beams withthe bell in between, which is fixed to a horizontal beam above and placed in the centre ofthe tower. The original bell wheel, which is now disused, is stored in the belfry, as the hatchis too small for it to be removed.A set of eight tubular bells, which are chimed by pulling a set of bell ropes, was installed in1888 and a plaque below them reads "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of P.M.Lambert, these Chimes are placed by her Husband, P.D. Lambert Junr. Christmas 1888".The bells were manufactured by Harringtons of Coventry and were renovated by Whites ofAppleton in 1997. The bells are set in a row along the west wall of the tower. The tubesrange in length from 1620mm to 2435mm.The installation of tubular bells into churches was fairly short lived and was much morepopular in the USA than in the UK. They were seen by some to be a slightly vulgar imitationfor “proper” bells and continue in some ways to be dismissed by the bellfounders and bellhistorians. The sound produced is certainly not the same as normal bells, but a set of tubesin a good condition can sound clear and produce their own mellow tones.Tubular bell manufacturing in the UK was undertaken exclusively by Harringtons ofCoventry, and the set at Hedsor is a typical example of their work. Harringtons startedinstalling tubular bells from around 1875 and stopped producing them in 1920, but most oftheir work was carried out before the end of the Victorian era. They traded under the namesof Harrington, Latham and Co. and Harrington, Holland and Co. The tubes are cast in bronzeand it is thought that the tubes may have been cast in a revolving mould to keep them straightas the metal cooled. There was an attempt to suppress some of the unwanted harmonicsmade by the tube; this was done by either fitting an iron peg at the top of the tube where thehammer hits or a bronze ‘bung’. It was found that the iron pegs can expand in time withrust and crack the tube.The tubular bells they made were sold and marketed as “an economical and perfect substitutefor bells” and also on the basis they could be fitted in towers and turrets that would beunsuitable for normal bells. Prices ranged from £120 to £250 for a set of 8 tubes with thelengths of the longest varying from 5ft to over 10ft. Over 90% of the sets supplied were of8 tubes, but there are a handful with 5, 6, and 10 bell sets and there are five 12 bell sets.There are known to have been at least 245 sets of tubular bells in the UK, but this numberhas declined as some have been removed or the buildings demolished.16

There is only one other set in Buckinghamshire. These are at Tylers Green and were installedin 1891. Only a couple of sets have been weighed, but the Hedsor set range fromapproximately ¾ cwt (38kg) to 1¼ cwt (64kg) and, being in the key of A, are in the moreexpensive price range.The Chancel and SanctuaryEnter his gates with thanksgivingand his courts with praise;give thanks to him and praise his name.For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;his faithfulness continues through all generations.(Psalm 100 v 4 & 5)The chancel is the oldest part of the church and has two very ancient exposed beams ofSpanish chestnut wood (or possibly oak) and two small windows. Also in the south wallare two niches containing paintings on tiles of Santus Joannus (St John) and Santa Maria(the Virgin Mary). They were painted by Maud Hepworth in l883. They were originally onthe east wall, but were moved to their present position in 1887.Montagu Hepworth designed the altar which was presented by the Reverend MorcanKirkland. It was built of carved cedarwood with walnut pillars and richly gilded mouldingsby Mr J.T.Wilson of London in 1883. The top of the altar is of marble from the Lligwyquarry in Anglesey, which formed part of Lord Boston's property. Inset in the front of thealtar are seven decorated arches, containing seven china panels, on which Maud Hepworthpainted seven figures in l883. Lord Boston records in his history that the panels depict (fromleft to right):-1. St. Hugh of Lincoln (1140 - 1200) 2. St. Augustine (354 - 530) 3. St. Jerome (342 - 420)4. Christon his robe are the words “Iesu Christus Salvator Mundi” (Jesus Christ Saviour of the world)5. St. Gregory. (540 - 604) 6. St. Ambrose. (340 - 397) 7. St. Nicholas. (4th century)The altar rails, put in place in 1879, were of brass supported by delicate wrought iron. Theywere replaced in 1966 with oak altar rails donated, by his mother in memory of Barry Wilton,who lived from 1948-1953. They were made by Faithcraft Works Limited, St Albans.Below the altar rails on the step from the chancel to the sanctuary, is a tapestry kneelerworked by Jennifer Hardwick with assistance from Jenny Stacey and Delia Fletcher, andpresented to the church in April 2011. The kneeler is of Florentine design, and is dedicatedto the church in memory of Dinnie and Edward Hawthorne. He was on the PCC and wasTreasurer for many years.The reredos, set against the east wall behind the altar, and the surround in the sanctuary were17

installed between 1879 and 1884 and were designed by Mr. A. Vernon of High Wycombe.They consist of stone, marble and Mexican onyx. The recesses in the reredos are filled withmosaics in gold and other colours, and particular features are the alpha and omega mosaicsin the side panels. The reredos and surround were cleaned, re-touched and re-gilded in 1996by Colin Schlapoberski and Partner.The seven lamps that hang in the sanctuary were installed in 1888 and are reminiscent ofthe Greek Orthodox Church. The first Chapter of Revelation may have provided theinspiration for the number of lamps, reflecting the references to seven stars, seven goldenlampstands and the seven churches of Asia. Oil was used to light these lamps which weredesigned by Montagu Hepworth and made by Barkenstin and Kroll of Regent Street,London. They were subsequently repaired, cleaned and wired for electricity by SydneyHarris. In 1997 they were cleaned again and gilded by Colin Schlapoberski and Partners,as part of the restoration of the chancel carried out by Hinkens and Frewin of Maidenhead.The ceiling of the chancel was divided into panels at the restoration in 1862, and in 1893filled with a geometrical pattern with stars and a mural decoration painted on canvas froma design by Montagu Hepworth. On the north side, in the area above the choir, was inscribed"Gloria in Excelcis Deo" and, on the south side, "Credo in Unum Deum", on a dark bluebackground. Over the sanctuary was the form of the Cherubim (described in the first chapterof Ezekiel), with the word "Alleluia" twice on each side.Over the years smoke from the oil and candles made the ceiling of the chancel very dark. Inthe redecoration of the Church in the 1950s, all this decoration was white-washed, and againin 1966. Restoration and redecoration to the chancel ceiling was carried out as part of theMillenium Appeal in 1998 by Hinkens and Frewin, Maidenhead and by Colin Schlapoberskiand Partner, London. A 19th century photograph (see page 16) taken from the nave lookingtowards the chancel shows the words “O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm96 v. 9), inscribed on the arch above the step leading from the nave to the chancel.The heavy brass gates set in the steps separating the nave and the chancel, and those betweenthe nave and the baptistry, were removed in the 1950’s, as were a number of brass candelabra,one of which is preserved in the vestry. The carved oak wooden screen in the chancel issupported by two pillars and decorated in fruit, leaves and flowers. It was donated by thewife and eldest son of the 5th Lord Boston, "To the glory of God and in loving memory ofFlorance G.H.Irby, Lord Boston, by his wife and eldest son, Easter 1882". On top of thescreen is a Latin cross and in its centre a circle within which are carved the initials IHS.The choir stalls, screen and priest stall are also of oak and are finely carved, with tracery inGothic style, acanthus leaves, grapes and vine leaves. On the north side the choir screenand benches form the back drop to the organ pipes. On the east wall above the pulpit is abanner, dating from early in the last century, which has a beige damask background, dividedinto seven panels, embroidered with Tudor roses and the initials S.N. The figure of St.Nicholas forms the centre, in an arch. He is wearing a red cope, lined with blue and holdsa Bible with three money bags on it in his right hand and his left hand rests on an anchor.The words "S Nicholaus Episcopus" are set out at the foot of the banner.18

The windows in the east wall of the sanctuary depict: (a) St. George carrying a standardtopped by St George’s flag with a white background and a red cross in his right hand and ashield marked with a red cross in his left. At his feet is a blue and green dragon; (b) a youngSt. Nicholas of Myra with his right hand raised in blessing and a crozier in his left hand anddressed in red, white, gold and green robes; and (c) Joan of Arc in full armour, overlaid bya rich red cloak, holding a lance in her right hand and a sword in her left hand. This window,donated by parishioners in 1921, is a memorial to the fallen of the First World War.In the north wall of the sanctuary is a window, made in the late 19th century by James Powell& Sons, Whitefriars Glassworks, London EC4, with diamond shapes and alternatingdecorated crosses. On the south wall of the sanctuary a window shows St. Stephen gazingupwards with his right hand in blessing and above the figure a white scroll with the words“St Stephen” and a reference to Acts VII v 55. The window is in memory of Maurice ColvinMontgomery Rutherford (7th Batt Canadian Expeditionary Force) who died in action inFlanders on 27th August 1915, and was dedicated by his widow. There is a small windowin the south wall of the chancel which has diamond shapes with leaf, flower, corn and grapedesigns. This was also made in the late 19th century by James Powell & Sons.The Organs of St Nicholas’ ChurchCome, let us sing for joy to the Lord;let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before him with thanksgivingand extol him with music and song.(Psalm 95 v 1&2)In 1880, an organ designed by Montagu Hepworth and built by Fincham of 150 Euston Road,London was installed in the church. The official organist was William Spencer, the fatherof the artist Stanley Spencer, followed from 1916 - 34 by Mr E Weaver. Montagu Hepworthwas one of the organists when William Spencer was organist.The organ was very large for a small country church and had three manuals (choir, great andswell) and a pedal board, with some 20 ranks of pipes. Consequently, the bellows had to bevery large and it was not easy to persuade men to pump it, as it was very hard work. No gasor electricity was available to power the pump but by this time hydraulic engineering hadbecome reliable and a water engine was installed. The organ was the first to be operated bywater power. The engine was installed in a pit under the vestry floor and the water supplyto give the power came from a tank in the stables at Hedsor House on the top of the hill. Acrank handle at the organ stool opened a stop cock in order to start the supply of water. Ifthe organist required full power, for instance for a voluntary at the end of a service, he wouldwarn the verger, Mr. Quelch, who would rush to the vestry and pump the bellows. However,if the organist's attention wandered and he played too loudly the organ would fail and19

members of the choir would have to join in the pumping of the bellows.At this time the inside of the church was lit by candles, as there was no gas or electricity inthe church. On one occasion, it is reported that one of the many-branched candelabra at theorgan console swung round and set fire to Mr. Weaver's hair, as he played the organ.During the Second World War owing to a lack of fuel and someone to be responsible forstoking the boiler, a spell of hard frost caused the pipes of the water pump to freeze andsubsequently burst, damaging the organ beyond repair. The organ was dismantled and soldto Mr A E Welby of Oxford for £75 in 1955. A two manual Estey Reed harmonium, whichwas supplied by Mr A E Welby for £110, was installed in 1955 and provided the music until1959 when an electronic organ, a Martinette (Model "B" with pedals) made and supplied byMiller Organ Company Limited of Norwich, was given by Dr. Maurice Simpson in memoryof his wife, Enid Margaret (Peggie) Simpson (née Lunnon) who died in 1956, and her brotherLeslie Lunnon who died in 1921. At this time the Reverend Hickox was rector. The organwas consecrated by the Bishop of Buckingham, Bishop Hay, followed by a recital given byMr. H. Gascoigne F.R.C.O., organist at Beaconsfield. Later the organist and well-knownconductor, the late Richard Hickox CBE, the son of the Reverend Hickox, gave a recital.As part of the Millennium Appeal, and after much discussion, it was decided to replace thisorgan with a pipe organ. This was thought appropriate in particular as there had beenpreviously been a pipe organ in the church from the late 19th century and for most of thefirst part of the 20th century. A two manual organ which was built by Rushworth & DreaperLtd of Liverpool, in 1998, was installed in the church in 2000. It had been thought that the17 heavily decorated Victorian organ pipes on the north side of the chancel and the 7 pipeson the east wall of the nave, which were all that remained of the previous pipe organ, werepurely decorative as is quite often the case with pipes in such a position. The pipes aredecorated in pink, red, blue and gold with geometric and floral design, some inscribed withthe word “Alleluia”. However, it was discovered that the rank of 17 pipes had been voicedand were therefore incorporated into the new organ. The oak console and pedal board wereplaced at the front of the north aisle; a pew was removed and the wooden screen which hadbeen at the front of the aisle was moved back behind the organ console.21

ORGAN SPECIFICATIONTwo manual and pedal pipe organBuilt by Rushworth & Dreaper Ltd of Liverpool in 1998, installed 2000.Compass of manuals C1 – C61 61 notes :: Compass of pedals C1 – F30 30 notes.Great OrganSwell Organ1 Principal 8ft A 9 Gedeckt 8ft B2 Gedeckt 8ft B 10 Salicional 8ft B and C3 Octave 4ft A 11 Stopped Flute 4ft B4 Stopped Flute 4ft B 12 Salicet 4ft C5 Twelfth 2 2 / 3 ft A 13 Gemshorn 2ft C6 Fifteenth 2ft A 14 Larigot 1 1 / 3 ft A7 Mixture II Rks 1 1 / 3 ft A 15 Mixture II Rks 1ft C8 Cornet 8ft Derived 61 notesPedal Organ16 Bourdon 16ft B17 Bass Flute 8ft B18 Choral Bass 4ft ACouplersSwell to Great, Great to Pedal, Swell to PedalAccessories3 Thumb Pistons to Great Organ, with second touch Pedal fixed settings3 Thumb Pistons to Swell Organ, fixed settings :: Thumb Piston operating Great to Pedal couplerThumb Piston operating Swell to Pedal coupler :: Solid State MultiSystemBalanced Expression Pedal to Enclosed section (electric)Detached stopkey consoleThe Treasures of HedsorBesides, in my devotion to the temple of my GodI now give my personal treasures of gold and silverfor the temple of my God, over and above everythingI have provided for this holy temple.(1 Corinthians Chapter 29 v 3)Some of the treasures of Hedsor include the figures in polished English lime of Mary, Josephand three shepherds and animals around the crib which are displayed at Christmas time.These were carved in the 1960s by Sydney Harris, who was churchwarden for 14 years.John Webb made the stable. The kings have been carved in lime by Colin Mantripp tocomplete the nativity set. They were presented to the church in 2008.There is a Litany and Bible set with semi-precious stones and a silver clasp. A heavilydecorated silver gilt chalice, made by Carl Krall, is inscribed "To the glory of God and in22

loving remembrance of Henry Percy Anderson, this chalice is presented by his wife Augustafor the use of the Alter of S. Nicholas Church. Hedsor 19th July 1898". Sir Henry, awidower, married Lady Augusta in 1883. She was the widow of the 5th Lord Boston. SirHenry died in 1896. A second chalice is made in sterling silver by Edward and John Barnard.The church has two pattens, one in silver gilt (made by Carl Krall) and the other in sterlingsilver (made by Edward and John Barnard).A 17th century pewter flagon, inscribed "For the use of ye Hedsor Church" which had beengiven to the church by William Chilcot in 1674 was stolen in 1972, along with two brasscandlesticks. A replacement flagon was given but this was also stolen in l977. SydneyHarris made the wooden candlesticks to replace those stolen.A pewter baptism bowl and ewer, made by Edwin Blyde, were dedicated in memory ofFather Sydney Hickox, who died in August 1988. Father Hickox was rector of St. Nicholas'from 1955 to 1972, when he moved to Bisham. When he retired he and his wife movedback to Bourne End. He subsequently helped in the work of the Parish, taking services andvisiting the sick and elderly.It should be noted that items of value are not kept in the church.The Churchyard and Surrounding AreaThe Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures,he leads me beside quiet waters,he restores my soul.He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.(Psalm 23 v 1 - 3).The churchyard is unusual in that all the gravestones are laid flat. It had been thought thatthis practice started in ancient times. The stones may have been continuously used as theremay have been a religious house of some type on the site of the Priory. However, it is morelikely that the stones were lowered as the churchyard was near the house of the owner of theestate. In the late 18th century Thomas Langley described the churchyard as having "apleasing effect, nor heaves the turf in many a mouldering heap, but a small flat stonepreserves the ashes from being disturbed, and admits the grass to be kept mowed."On 29th April 1834, William Bradford, Rector of St Nicholas’ at the time, wrote “Amongthe small population of Hedsor there are not more than three families who could afford theexpense of erecting any frail memorial over the graves of their deceased relatives; and, fromthe light nature of the soil of which the churchyard is composed, all traces of a commongrave would in a very short period moulder away, whereas under the system adopted byLord Boston, every individual has a flat stone placed over his grave with his initials engraved23

on it… The neatness, and the absence of everything unsightly in the appearance of thechurchyard must and does gratify everyone who sees it….”The path across the churchyard was built in 1886, when the porch was moved to the westend of the church. The lower part of the churchyard was added in 1897 and was consecratedby the Bishop of Reading. Yew trees line the path. Lord Boston recorded in 1899 that therewas a grove of yews near the church which included two very old trees, one of which wasat that time 20 feet in circumference and was about 800 years old. It had possibly beenplanted when the church was founded. The moat around the south side of the church wasconstructed in 1889 to reduce damp seeping into the walls.A comprehensive survey of the gravestones was carried out in 1986 and 1987 by Mrs. P.Green. This sets out the inscriptions on the gravestones and plaques and shows theirpositions in the churchyard. The names of a number of well known local families featurefrequently, in particular the Lunnons and the Billingshursts. Mrs. E.A. Gubbins who washeadmistress of Hedsor School for nearly 30 years and died in 1986 is buried there.A memorial stone seat in memory of Flight Lieutenant Alfred Fane, who died in 1942, wasbuilt outside the churchyard overlooking the drive to the church and the surroundingcountryside. He was a pilot in the RAF Photo Reconnaissance Unit attached to BomberCommand. He was flying in a Spitfire to the Danish/German Border when his plane crashedin bad weather near Duxford, Cambridgeshire. He and his wife, Evelyn had lived in thePriory for some years prior to his death. His ashes were scattered in the grounds of thePriory. At the request of his widow, the seat was moved in 1992 to the Shelsey Walsh HillClimb at Shelsey Walsh, the motor racing track in Worcestershire. The seat was inscribed:-"To the proud and beloved memory of my dear husbandAlfred Fane Peers Fane, Flight Lieutenant R.A.F.V.R. ofHedsor Priory killed in active service 18th July 1942".One of the Astor family, Gwendoline Enid Astor, of Cliveden who died in 1902 is also buriedin the churchyard, as well as John Fleming who was head gardener at Cliveden for 30 years,who died in 1883. The pheasant breeder to the Prince of Wales, Thomas Devenport, wasburied in 1749. The earliest legible stones, dating from 1740, are those for William andJohn Sherman. Sir Hugh and Lady Wontner lived in the Priory from 1942. He died in 1992and she died in 2006 and both are buried in the churchyard.Until 1814 the parish also had a cottage, described as of "inconsiderable size", known as theParsonage Hall. This consisted of two bays, divided into a hall, parlour and two chambers,one acre of land and a small garden plot. It was exchanged for land some distance furtheraway from St Nicholas’ church. A rectory was built on the site in 1862-3, and paid for byLord Boston and a grant from Queen Anne's bounty. The Reverend James Williams wasthe first tenant. Census registers from 1881 and 1901 show the Reverend Morcan Kirklandand his sister, Phoebe, living in the house, together with 3 servants. As will be seen elsewherein this booklet, the Reverend Kirkland was a considerable benefactor of the church. The24

Rectory was sold in February 1954 by the Rector of Hedsor, Reverend Cyril George Hestor,to Halls Estates (Bucks) Limited, with the consent of the Church Commissioners forEngland. The conveyance contains a covenant that the house would not be called the Rectoryor Hedsor Rectory. It is called Hedsor Place. The incumbent's house is now in Bourne End.On the hill opposite the church is the "Boston Folly", known as Hedsor Towers. Built bythe second Lord Boston, the first of the three towers was completed in l793 as a celebrationfor King George III's recovery from illness. Although built as a folly, one of only three inBuckinghamshire and Berkshire, it was converted into a private house in the 1980s. Thelong connection between the Royal Household and the Boston family dated back to 1739,when Frederick Prince of Wales occupied Cliveden and employed Sir William Irby as hisequerry. For proximity he rented what is now Hedsor Priory from the Parker family.Following the death of the Prince of Wales in 1751, William Irby became chamberlain tothe Princess of Wales and was elevated to 1st Lord Boston. Frederick 2nd Lord Bostonsucceeded to the title in 1775 and became a close friend of George III, who succeeded to thethrone on his grandfather's death in 1760.The church formerly had use of a hall situated on the drive to the church. The hall andadjacent cottage had been bequeathed to the church in 1941 in the will of George Florence,Sixth Baron Boston. The hall was held by a charity called St. Nicholas’ Hall Charity, but itand the surrounding land was sold in 1957.The Millennium AppealSo it is with you.Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts,try to excel in gifts that build up the church.(1 Corinthians Chapter 14 v 12)St Nicholas’ church has been standing on its present site for over 900 years. In the past ithas been maintained and developed by the patrons and in particular in Victorian times bygenerations of the Boston family who lived in Hedsor House. They were largely responsiblefor the Victorian Gothic styling of the interior of the church and carrying out other works,for instance creating the baptistry from the former entrance porch and installing a threemanual pipe organ.Nowadays there is no longer any single benefactor to shoulder the financial burden involvedin regular maintenance or carrying out major works when they are required. SuccessiveParochial Church Councils have arranged for the maintenance and redecoration of thechurch, and in particular in a fairly major way in the 1950s. However, it was realized towardsthe end of the last century that considerably more work was required than routinemaintenance to ensure that the church was handed to our successors in good shape andappropriate for modern requirements.25

A committee was established in 1996 under the chairmanship of John Lunnon to considerand carry out fairly major restoration, maintenance and improvement works on the church,in order to restore it for subsequent generations. An appeal for funds was launched in March1996 and the committee was set up under the title “The Friends of St Nicholas’ ChurchHedsor”. The intention was to raise funds for and to carry out the significant works required,whilst creating the Friends concept that would involve continuing activities in the churchfor regular churchgoers and other people, which went beyond normal church services.The main members of the committee were John Lunnon, who was Chairman, Henry Hulme,who was Honorary Treasurer, Reverend John Sclater (Priest in charge at the time), RosieRushworth (Secretary to the committee), John Rosewarne (Engineer to the committee), Terryand Rose Ridge and Jonathan Rushworth. The original plan was to raise £75,000 for fairlyextensive work, including: (a) external land drainage improvements (which involvedrectifying a damp area in the wall adjacent to the altar); (b) redecoration to the interior ofthe church (which included cleaning stonework and re-gilding in some parts); (c) re-lightingthe interior of the church; (d) repairing supporting timbers in the bell tower and the tollingmechanism to enable the bell to be used safely; (e) a complete re-working of the vestry,kitchen and storage area; and (f) the installation of a two manual pipe organ.In the event, after the generosity of local people, not only by financial gifts and charitabledonations but also by opening their houses for receptions, lectures and parties, nearly twicethe original required sum was raised. 19 fundraising events were held, including dinners,lectures, visits to local estates, courses, concerts and organ recitals.The works were carried out over a period of years under the direction of a well knownecclesiastical architect, Mrs Patricia Brock of Patricia Brock Associates. The architect forthe final stage of the works (the disabled toilet and access) was Anthony Mealing of Tebbetand Wells Associates.Some of those on the committee, in particular John Lunnon, John Rosewarne, Henry Hulmeand the Reverend John Sclater gave significant amounts of time and expertise in guiding26

through all the works and working closely with those involved in the detailed execution ofthem. Details of the work have been incorporated into this history and guide in theappropriate places.Not only were all the original works which were identified for the project carried outsuccessfully but, in addition, wheelchair access from the car park to the church was installedand, in 2003, a new building was constructed adjacent to the north side of the church tohouse the toilet with facilities for the disabled. This fitted in well with the style of thebuilding and has received various awards, as described in this booklet.The Friends of St Nicholas’ Church has been very active in subsequent years, arranging talksand concerts in the church, as well as publishing a newsletter and other activities. TheFriends is chaired by Christopher Chacksfield. Its main role is to help fund capitalexpenditure for items in the church which would otherwise not be affordable from churchfunds. Amongst numerous projects, it has funded repairs to a church wall, the cost of a hymnstorage bookcase, a new PA system, new radiators and path refurbishment.ServicesFor where two or three come together inmy name, there am I with them.(Matthew Chapter 18 v 20).It is known that in Frederick Lord Boston's time, services were held every Sunday from Julyto the beginning of November and for the rest of the year only every third Sunday.Communion was celebrated four times each year, with catechism during Lent.Services are now held at 9 a.m. each Sunday in the form of Family Communion and at 9.15a.m. on the last Tuesday of each month, with additional services on Saints' days and for otheroccasions. Holy Communion is also celebrated on Christmas Eve at 11 p.m. There is anactive Sunday School, “The Pebbles”, which is held once a month in the vestry.After the death of Florance Lord Boston, who had cared for the church, his estate was dividedand sold. There is a right of way across the field to the west of the church for those visitingthe church, and access by car is along the drive to Hedsor Priory by concession from theWontner family who own the surrounding estate.Hedsor remains an independent parish with its own Parochial Church Council, althoughsharing an incumbent with the Parish of Bourne End. The Parish of Bourne End wastransferred from the benefice of Wooburn to become linked to that of Hedsor.28

DATE LORDS OF THE MANOR MONARCHS1068 Walter D’Eyncourt William IDE HEDSORS1100 Sofrid Henry IStephen1154 Henry II1157 Richard I1166 Geoffrey, son of Sofrid1199 John1201-11 William de Hedsor1216 Henry III1220-28 William de Hedsor1234-69 Geoffrey de Hedsor1272 Edward I1276 William de Hedsor1284-1305 John de Hedsor1307 Edward IITHE LOVEDAYS1315-25 Ralph Loveday1327 Edward III1329 John Loveday1346 John Loveday1377 Richard IITHE RESTWOLDS1379-1383 Ralph Restwold1399 Henry IV1413 Henry V1422-1461 Henry VI1457-1479 Thomas Restwold1461-1470 Edward IV1470-1471 Henry VI1471-1483 Edward IV1483 Edward V1485 Henry VII1486 Thomas Restwold1492 Robert Restwold1496 Richard Restwold1509 Henry VIII1522 Edward Restwold1547 Anthony Restwold Edward VI1553 Lady Jane Grey1553 Mary1554 Sir Edward Peckham1556 Ralph Hawtrey1558 Elizabeth IHYNDES1573 Rowland Hynde1603 James I1608 Rowland Hynde1625 Charles 1CHILCOTS1658 William Chilcot1660 Charles II1685 James II1688 William Chilcot1689 William III & Mary1702 Anne1705 Mary ChilcotPARKERS1720 Sarah Parker George I1727 George II1731 Geoffrey Parker1746 Elizabeth Parker1760 George IIIIRBY1764 William Lord Boston1775 Frederick Lord Boston1820 George IV1825 George Lord Boston1830 William IV1837 Victoria1856 George Ives Lord Boston1869 Florance Lord Boston1877 George Florance Lord Boston1901 Edward VII29

List of IncumbentsNAME DATE PATRON REMARKSCHAPLAINSNicholas1201-1211(CIR)Jossceus 1340Robertus 1377RECTORSJOHN STEVEN 1402 MAY 29 KING HENRY IVJOHN FOXE LLB 1457 DEC 16 THOMAS RESTWOLD RESIGNEDPHILLIP LEPEYATE 1459 AUG 16 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDTHOMAS MASON 1461 MAY 28 THOMAS RESTWOLD DIED 1486PETER CAVERSHAM 1486 FEB 28 THOMAS RESTWOLD RESIGNEDTHOMAS FOWLER 1490 AUG 14 THOMAS RESTWOLDJOHN SOCY UNKNOWN UNKNOWN RESIGNEDTHOMAS KYRKHAM 1528 JUL 16 CHRISTOPHER GRANTHAM DEPRIVEDGEORGE GRANTHAM 1533 JUL 1 CHRISTOPHER GRANTHAM RESIGNEDJOHN ATHWIKE 1544 MAR 27 EDWARD RESTWOLD RESIGNEDTHOMAS BALEY 1575 MAR 9 ROWLAND HYNDE RESIGNEDNICHOLAS SHEFFILDE 1578 JUL 18 ROWLAND HYNDE RESIGNEDOR DIED 1612MATTHEW LITTLETON BA 1612 DEC 10 ROLAND HYNDE(THE YOUNGER) DIED 1630EDWARD HORWOOD 1630 JUL 14 ROLAND HYNDE(THE YOUNGER)JOHN PECK MA 1641 MAY 20 ROLAND HYNDE(THE YOUNGER)ROGER CRAUSHAW UNKNOWN UNKNOWN “INCUMBENT 1650”WILLIAM HUDSON UNKNOWN UNKNOWN REMOVED 1664EDWARD RAWSON 1664 MAY 13 WILLIAM CHILCOT DIED 1667FRANCIS CRAWLEY MA 1668 JUN 5 WILLIAM CHILCOT DIED 1693NATHANIEL SMALLEY 1694 JAN 23 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDJOHN LOVEDAY BA 1715 MAY 3 MARY CHILCOT DIED 1742GEORGE BRACEGIRDLE BA 1742 DEC 20 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDGEORGE STINTON MA DD 1754 MAR 11 ELIZABETH PARKER RESIGNEDJOHN TICKELL MA 1765 MAY 21 WILLIAM LORD BOSTON RESIGNEDWILLIAM LANGFORD MA DD 1772 OCT 6 WILLIAM L D BOSTON RESIGNEDRALPH LEYCESTER MA 1793 MAR 29 THE BISHOP DIED 1803GEORGE GRETTON DD 1803 OCT 3 FREDERICK L D BOSTON RESIGNEDWILLIAM MUSAGE BRADFORD MA 1814 APR 27 FREDERICK L D BOSTON DIED 1840ABRAHAM YOULDEN 1841 JAN 8 THE BISHOP DIED 1860JAMES REYNOLD WILLIAMS MA 1860 DEC 16 GEORGE IVES L D BOSTON RESIGNEDFRANK WYNYARD WRIGHT MA 1870 OCT 5 FLORANCE L D BOSTON RESIGNEDGEORGE AUGUSTUS ROBINS MA 1876 FEB 12 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDMORCAN EDWARD KIRKLAND MA 1880 DEC 16 GEORGE FLORANCE L D BOSTON RESIGNEDROBERT GEO.SUTHRDEMAUS MA 1904 JUL 25 GEORGE FLORANCE L D BOSTON RESIGNEDPATRICK HORTON 1937 JUL 23 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDCYRIL GEORGE HESTER 1953 MAR 27 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDSIDNEY EDWARD HICKOX AKC 1955 OCT 25 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDDONALD RYDINGS MA 1974 SEP 20 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDHERBERT HARTLEY AKC 1977 JUN 12 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDJOHN EDWARD SCLATER BA 1994 MAY 17 THE BISHOP RESIGNEDPATRICIA ANN TREW BA 2003 SEP 29 THE BISHOP RESIGNED30

AcknowledgementsGrateful thanks are due to the following for supplying material from which this history hasbeen compiled:-Christopher ChacksfieldThe late Florence DaggThe late Mary LawsThe late John Lunnon and Mrs Ann LunnonJosie RowlandSir Robin SaxbyAlexander Shephard DLHamish ShephardMatthew SmithThe late E. WeaverJulian WontnerBibliographyNotes on the History of the Manor and Church of Hedsor by Lord Boston, 1900History of the Antiquities of the Hundred of Desborough by Thomas Langley, 1797Hedsor Church - A History- by Mary LawsThe History of Hedsor - International Computers Limited, 1972Record of Church Furnishingsby The National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, 2008The Marriage Register of Hedsor - Phillimore's Parish Registry SeriesSurvey of the Churchyard by Mrs. P. Green, 1986-7