Love God, Serve People, Make Disciples
SS. Nicholas & Faith Church is essentially a mix of Anglo-Saxon and Norman construction erected over a millennia ago. Throughout the centuries, many structural alterations have taken place, but it remains a continuously significant building to the people of Saltash.
There are different versions of the origins of the church, but it is most likely of monastic origin, it was reputed to have been used by the Augustine Monks from St. Germans Priory as an outpost.
Historical records tell us that the borough of Saltash was founded by the de Valletort family, Lords of Trematon Castle, about 1175. Although a settlement at Saltash existed for some time prior to this. For more than 850 years, St. Nicholas Chapel was a “Chapel-of-ease”, subordinate to the mother church of St. Stephen, although baptismal rights were granted before the end of the medieval period.
During the 17th, 18th & 19th centuries, Saltash Corporation increasingly took control of the building as the “Corporation Chapel” and therefore appointed Chaplains. There were many disputes during this time; In fact, one case even reached the Canterbury Archbishopric’s Court of Arches in 1752. The Chapel had no burial ground, but until 1864 the corporation allowed members of some prominent families to be interred beneath the floor. One such internment is still present in the North Chapel.
In 1881, at the request of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, and the Bishop of Truro (Rt. Revd. Edward White-Benson); the Privy Council made an Order by which the Chapel became a Parish Church.
The boundary of the new parish followed that of the borough boundary of Saltash at that time. Unfortunately, the Order did not cover the questions of ownership or control of the building, therefore discord continued for many years until, 1923, when the Corporation and Church authorities came to an agreement.
The Order describes the building as “the Church of St. Nicholas & St. Faith”. St. Faith was included because the Revd. Julian Morton, the incumbent at the time, assumed that the Chapel of St. Faith, (licenced in 1435 & 1437), was part of St. Nicholas’s Chapel. Some historians claim that St. Faith’s chapel was located somewhere in the borough.
Unfortunately, no record exists today, of when the exact building of the church started. The first mention of the church in any ecclesiastical papers occurs in 1290 (Taxatio Ecclesiastica Papae Nicolai (Ecclesiastical Assessment of Pope Nicholas IV)), and also in 1351, when the Chapel of St. Nicholas of Aysshe, (one of the ancient names for Saltash, others being Villa de Esse, Ash, or Ashborough), is recorded as being dependent on the church of St. Stephen.
When the building began in the early 12th century, the Chapel was planned as a plain cruciform structure. The parts that remain of the original building are the Chancel, the Nave, the South transept, and part of the North transept and the tower. The North & South Chapels were added in the angles between the chancel and the transepts, as the main building work proceeded.
The original South Chapel was dedicated to St. John the Apostle and Evangelist, mentioned in the licence that was granted by Bishop Lacey in 1437, but this is not the site of the current St. John’s Chapel. There was also no access into the Chancel from either of the two chapels. However, the date of building the current chapel of St. John the Apostle & Evangelist is not currently known, but we do know that the original chapel of St. John the Apostle & Evangelist was demolished sometime in the later 17th Century. As the School building was built in the early 18th Century.
It is thought from the discovery of oyster shells and red deer bones beneath the floor of the nave, that that area of the church was possibly the refectory of the monastic church. There is a break in the ceiling above the “Mayor’s Pew”. (This is the first pew in the central block of pews, with the raised back and bookrest.) It is believed that a form of partition once stood there, as there is a join in the ceiling. This may have been the Rood Screen.
In the South wall of the Nave there is a blocked-up Norman doorway, which must have led to a Monastic building, although no official record has been found to say what the door was used for.
During the early part of the 12th century, the walls of St Nicholas Chapel were being bult. The Chapel of St. Faith the Virgin had already been built. It is estimated that it was around 950AD.
Unfortunately, the townsfolk of Saltash, fell out with the Monks from St. Germans Priory, however the reason for the fall out has yet to be discovered. The falling out was severe enough for the Rt. Revd. Walter Branscombe, Bishop of Exeter to consider the only suitable punishment, Excommunication from the Catholic Church. So, the chapel was closed from 1260 to 1420 to the townsfolk, when the Rt Revd. Edmund Lacey lifted the ban.
The 14th Century Church
In the second quarter of the 14th Century, the East wall of the North Transept was taken down, the walls of the North Chapel were raised, and the North wall of the Chancel was pierced with a simple double chamfered arch. The former roof level can be seen in the South and East Walls of the Tower.
The 15th Century Church
During the 15th century, the East window was enlarged and a granite window of five lights was inserted. Towards the end of this century the North wall of the nave was taken down, together with the West wall of the North transept, and the present North aisle was added. All the dressings including the arcade were of “Roborough Stone”. The present South porch formerly stood around the North door, but it is not known when it was moved.
The 16th Century Church
During this century, which was in the reign of King Henry VIII, and the Reformation, the Chapel of St. Nicholas became part of the Church of England after Henry’s excommunication from the Catholic Church by Pope Clement VII on January 5th, 1531. During the later quarter of this century, the South Chapel of St. John the Apostle and Evangelist was removed. The west wall of the original South Chapel now forms the East wall of the current South Chapel. The two arches in the East wall of the South Chapel were blocked up, and a four-pane square-headed window was inserted. Also, during this period, the rood screen and its stone stairs were demolished. (A rood screen is a decretive wooden or stone wall in some Christian churches which separates the area near the altar and the other parts of the church.) This left a hole in the upper wall of the Chancel, and two steps can be seen from the South Chapel if looking North. The third stage of the Tower was either replaced or added. In 1580, a short stump spire was added. Some 444 years later, it remains today, despite it being documented as removed in some versions of our history. It is visible on Google Earth
The 17th Century Church
Nothing major of note has been found for this century, apart from that the church appears to have been lucky and escaped the wrath of the Puritans. The Chapel of St. Faith the Virgin & Martyr was repainted in 1689, during the mayoralty of Matthew Veale. There is a plaque dedicating this on the outside of the North Chapel.
The 18th Century Church
The school building was completed during the first half of the century. No further structural changes have been carried out.
The 19th Century Church
The building had remained structurally untouched until the restoration work began in 1869 for £1300 (£81, 391.70). Four new windows were inserted, two in the South wall of the Nave, one in the South wall of the chancel, and one in the West wall of the South Chapel. The ceiling between the ribs of the old barrel roof was replastered. The old high pews were replaced, and a carved reredos of Bath Stone, (a reredos is a decorative design, carved in stone, and placed on the East wall behind the high altar), was added. This was designed and erected by Mr. Harry Hems, an architectural and ecclesiastical sculptor from Exeter. In 1889, the Chapel was restored during the Mayoralty of William Rundle. There is a plaque commemorating this on the Southwest wall.
The 20th Century Church
The aims of the 1930-31 restoration work were two-fold. Firstly, to make the fabric waterproof, and then to restore the simple beauty of the Norman and 15th Century work. The plaster was stripped from the walls to reveal the original Tartan Down stone. During this restoration, the following discoveries were made:
The other work carried out during the 1930/32:
In the early part of the 20th century, the crenelated top of the Tower was filled in to form a plain surround, as it was felt that it was not in keeping with the Norman style of the building.
During the Second World War, the church was hit by a German incendiary bomb, which damaged the East wall and Chancel, some of the glass from the East window had to be replaced. The Choir stalls and pulpit which has been installed during the 1930-32 restoration, had again had to be replaced. We are lucky that the Luftwaffe did not destroy the whole church. A section of this damage remains today, on the front of the Mayoral pew, nearest to the first pillar of the arcade.
Starting here at the South door, on your left, is the sound box, just after the main door. The brass plaque on it refers to the 2007 restoration plaque, during the incumbency of Canon Richard E. B. Maynard, in which the celling was repainted, and the sound system was installed.
Next is the sarcophagus of Anna Eliza Hawks, who died aged 42. She was the wife of the Reverend William Hawks, who was one of the perpetual curates of the Chapel. Also included in the sarcophagus are their daughters, Jane who died aged 4 days, and Emily Caroline aged 5 years. The difference between a sarcophagus and a tomb, is that a sarcophagus today, is above ground, whilst a tomb is below, or in a wall or floor. Interestingly, when the Revd Hawks passed away, he was not interred with his family, but in Bath.
Above the Hawks sarcophagus is the 1869 restoration plaque. Which it commemorates.
Above that is the Southwest window, it is of a plain and Norman design. The Northwest window is a mirror image it.
Moving on towards the font. On your left, there are two plaques. Unfortunately, time has not been good for them. The top one is the “Graham Children Memorial”, which reads “Sacred to the memory of Sally Ball Graham, born 11th June 1817 died 30th April 1818, and James Hore Graham born on 22nd August 1815 died on 29th May 1818. Children of Major John Hore Graham and Rachael Collier, his wife”.
Below that, is the Commander Matthew Hore Memorial. This plaque reads, “Sacred to the memory of Matthew Hore Esq, formerly of this parish and many years a Commander of His Majesty’s Revenue Cutters. He departed this life November 23rd, 1826, aged 61 deeply and sincerely regretted. Also, his second son, Matthew, who being shipwrecked on the Island of Desolation, in the South Atlantic, lost his life attempting to swim to shore on July 23rd, 1821 Commander Hore’s parent’s Charity & Nicholas Hore have their tomb further on. {12}. This is not the original home of this memorial, originally it was mounted in the blocked doorway.
The next item of note is the font. This is the third font to have been in the church. The original font was sold by the Corporation to the Littleton family in 1859. To be placed on the family burial plot. For some years afterwards a baptismal basin only was in use. Then Capt. Pearn, R.N., a relative of Mr. E. Pearn, (The Organist and Choir Master) sent home from Malta a very beautiful font with hanging stone cover, which was accidently broken during the 1869 restoration. The font today, is alleged to be a very ancient one, which came from Wadgeworthy, a wayside chapelry near St, Stephens. It been described as more likely from a mill, rather than a font. The original font is located by the South door of our sister church, St. Stephen, it is a very plain octagonal design.
Behind the font is the “Dalby Memorial Window”, it states “To the Glory of God, and in memory of Augustus and Martha Dalby, their children and grandchildren. AD 1910”.
Augustus and Martha had eight children, 4 boys and 4 girls. Augustus was born in Hoden, East Riding of Yorkshire.
Following on, the next window is of St. Luke the Physician. It was given in memory of Dr. Norman G. Harry MB, MRCS, BCH, LRCP, and his wife Mable Louise. Dr. Harry was a local GP, who lived on the corner of Higher Port View & Lower Port View, and Churchwarden of this church.
Between the Dr. Harry window and the Drew Family Memorial, is the location for the original North doorway. It is clearer from the outside, but approximately in 1869, the porch was moved from here to its current location. It was moved because of amorous couples were using the porch because of it facing the Town Hall, their activities could not be seen.
The next memorial is the Drew Memorial, the inscription reads. “Sacred to the memory of John & James Drew, Captains in His Majesty’s Navy. Also, James William Drew, acting Lieutenant”. Captain John Drew and Lieutenant James William Drew were sadly drowned in crossing Cawsand Bay, January 11th, 1798; Captain James Drew was unfortunately shipwrecked and drowned in sailing up the Delaware, 25th May following”.
Captain John Drew and Captain James Drew came from Stoketon near Saltash, John & James were twins, but we are not sure if they were identical twins. Stephen who was another brother, took holy orders became the mayor of Saltash.
Captain James Drew RN, commanded the sloop HMS De Braak (a Dutch Republican vessel, captured by the British Royal Navy in February 1795, when the Dutch Republic sided with Napoleon in the French Revolutionary Wars), which sank in a squall just off Cape Henlopen, Delaware, USA. In 1986, when the wreck of the De Braak was raised. Amongst the treasures found was the pocket watch of Captain James Drew, and a gold ring bearing the inscription “In memory of your bother John”, who had drowned four months earlier.
Stephen erected this memorial to his siblings in 1800.
The next window is of plane glass and is obscured by the Pipe Organ.
On the front of the organ loft, there is a brass plaque that is a memorial to Canon William Henry Prior and the restoration of the organ in 1974 – 75.
Under the Organ loft is the Hore Tomb. The plaque reads, “Underneath, much lamented by her family, are deposited the remains of Charity Hore, wife of Nicholas Hore of this corporation. An affectionate wife, a loving mother, and a sincere friend. She departed this life 29th Dec 1791 aged 65 years. Also, the remains of the above, Nicholas Hore (a member of this borough), who departed this life May 25th, 1800. And left 6 children to lament his loss.
Nicholas was born 1726 in St. John, Cornwall, to Matthew Hore and Martha Frank. On 27th December 1748 he married Charity Petherick at St. Stephens. They had 3 daughters and 3 sons. Martha, Rebecca, Charity, James, Nicholas and Matthew.
Hanging on the right of the Organ Loft, is an oil painting of St. Nicholas, which was recently discovered at the back of a cupboard. We are not yet sure when it was painted or by whom.
After this we come to the Lady Altar, on the it, in a wooden case are the Memorial Books. This was given by Mr. Colin Pidduck, in memory of his brother, Staff Sergeant Clifford H. Pidduck, who was killed in action 21st June 1942 during the Siege of Tobruk. The Lady Altar itself was made and installed in November 1966, it was given by voluntary donations, and the wall behind it was replastered, as the Revd. J. C. Boyes thought that the wall was unnecessarily ugly.
Above the Lady Altar, you will notice that there are two diagonal grooves in the south wall. These were supports for roof beams of the original North Transept Wall, there is also a third grove in the East wall of the Tower.
The Pinwill Screen is estimated to date back to the early 14th century; unfortunately this is only an estimation. It’s a Parclose Screen, which is designed to restrict physical access to those unauthorised to enter, yet still, allow a good view into the restricted area and the entry of sunlight, and, most importantly, to allow for communication with the high altar in the chancel during the elevation of the host at mass.
A detailed inspection and report carried out in 2014 by Dr. Helen Wilson Ph. D, a leading authority and author on the Pinwill Sisters has been unable to exactly date these screens, however, they are the genuine work of Miss. Violet Pinwill, a noted ecclesiastical sculptor.
During the 1930/31 restoration, a group of frescoes was discovered, on the corner of the East wall of the Tower, and around the lower section of the Sheppard Memorial Window. Recently we have discovered further fresco’s next to the pulpit, and the Preedy & Boyes memorials, however these new frescos are not in such a good state.
The 1689 Restoration plaque is situated above the North Door on the outside.
Next, we come to the Cater Memorial Window, this window is dedicated to the memory of Mrs. Eliza Cater, wife of Commander John Cater R.N., and their son, Lieutenant Charles George John Cater R.N. Either side of the lower area, are two groves in the wall, I’m not yet sure of what they are or what their purpose is.
Next is the Sheppard Memorial window, which is in the Saxon style, and off centre. Records have not yet revealed why it is off centre, but it is more than likely so it is in line with the altar. There is a brass plaque, which commemorates Mrs. Elizabeth Sheppard, who departed this life on October 14, 1914, wife of Frederick Augustus Sheppard, in whose memory the adjoining window was erected in 1832 by their loving daughter, Rose Welton. It may appear that the plaque was originally dedicated to Frederick, and when Elizabeth died it was rededicated, and the plaque was replaced and updated.
The altar, the only one with carving on it has recently been confirmed as genuine work of the Pinwill Sisters.
To the right of the altar, on the floor, is the Webb Tomb, unfortunately, time has again been here, and the inscription is only just readable. It reads “Here lieth the body of M……. Edward Webb, one of the corporations who died 8th October 1750 aged 48 years.”.
Slightly above in the wall is the first of two Piscina’s, they are not particularly attractive one’s, just plain, simple and functional.
Above that is the Barlow Tomb. This tomb is inscribed “Sacred to the memory of Louisa Barlow, wife of William Barlow, gent of Plymouth Dock, and daughter of Stephen Drew Esquire, Alderman of this borough. She died 19th July 1795 aged 25 years and 9 months and her remains are deposited in a vault beneath this marble. In the same vault are also deposited the remains of Stephen Drew Barlow, son of the aforementioned William and Louisa Barlow, who died October 1793 aged 18 weeks, and Louisa Drew Barlow, their daughter who died June 30th, 1796, aged 13 months”. Stephen Snr was brother to the Drew family I talked about earlier.
Although not particularly clear on this site of the wall, but if you look carefully, you will see a row of stones vertically forming an arch, this will be clearer on the opposite side of the wall.
As we come out of the chapel of St. Faith the Virgin & Martyr, you will see on the centre row of pews, next to the first column of the arcade, a dark burn stain, this is the only remains of the damage caused by the Luftwaffe during the war.
Opposite this is a statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus, this was erected in 1975. The column had to be trimmed so that it would sit flush.
Moving around to the chancel, on your left, above the Curate’s stall, is the “John Evans & Family memorial”. Inscribed “To the memory of John Evans ESQ, Purser R.N., and many years Secretary to the Honourable Admiral Cornwallis, whilst Commander-in-Chief of the Channel Fleets, an Alderman, and several times Mayor of this Borough. He died July 3rd, 1834, Aged 71. And of his wife Jane, who died October 28th, 1808, aged 37 years. And Mary Ziegel died on January 22nd, 1835, aged 53 years. Also, John Henry Evans MB, son of the above John Evans & Mary Ziegel (he died suddenly in London on October 21st, 1835, aged 23 years).
Heading up towards the sanctuary. The Communion Rail is made from timbers of HMS Defiance, which was the last wooden ship of the line, which was launched 27th May 1861, and sold, broken up in 1931, she never saw active service.
On the left of the High Altar, there is the first of three memorials to an Edward Hawkins. This inscribed “To the memory of Gertrude Hawkins wife of Captain Edward Hawkins Royal Navy, who departed this life 21st June 1825. Also, Captain Edward Hawkins R.N. who departed this life April 30th, 1839”.
In line with the centre light of the window, behind the curtains of the high altar, is a pre-reformation reliquary. This was used to store the remains of a saint; this would be more common in Roman Catholic Churches.
During the 15th century, the East window, was enlarged and a granite window with five lights was inserted. It is not yet known when the current window was inserted, but information obtained from the saltash.org website gives states that the window is in memory of John Martyn, who was Mayor of the borough. It depicts five stages of Our Lord’s life.
On the right, there is another memorial to the Hawkins family, “In memory of Elizabeth Hawkins, widow of Edward Hawkins, Captain R.N. who died 4th January 1864. It is believed that Capt. Edward Hawkins was married twice, with Elizabeth being his second wife.
Below is a unique feature in churches in the UK, a double piscina.
Just to the right of the second Hawkins memorial, is the Littleton memorial. Under this Norman-style window, there are a series of seven brass plaques in memory of the Littleton Family. The window itself has been dated to 1869 and is said to be an image of Hypocrites, The Father of Medicine, but this is in doubt. Either side of the top row of plaques, you will notice a darker area in the shape of a cross, I am not sure if these were painted, or there used to be something there.
Next, is the South chancel window, which is in the Saxon style and plain design.
On the right of the Hagioscope, are two plaques, the top one, is inscribed “This Church was restored by the people of Saltash and in remembrance before God of the ministry of Arthur Preedy 1895 to 1918”.
Below that is the JCB memorial. John Cecil Boyes, the incumbent of the Church from 1957 to 1981, and is affectionately referred to as JCB, by those who knew him.
Recently, some new frescoes have been discovered to the right of these memorials, sadly though, they have suffered with time, and now aren’t a hundred percent recognisable.
Hanging from the ceiling is a memorial to Lieutenant Colonel Drury, This is inscribed “In loving memory before God of William Price Drury, Lieutenant Colonel, Royal Marines and in thanksgiving for nigh on 50 years of wedded happiness. M.E.S.D.”
As we go around and into the chapel of St. John the Apostle & Evangelist, you will pass the wooden pulpit. This is the 3rd pulpit that we know of. The first was a beautiful stone pulpit, with a matching top, this however was replaced during the 1930-31 restoration with a very plain wooden structure, that resembled four small wooden square frames attached together. I suppose we could say “fortunately”, this rather unattractive simple construction didn’t survive long and was destroyed when the bomb hit the church. The current one was put in to replace it.
Just around the corner from the pulpit, you see the hagioscope, the hole in the wall looking towards the High Altar, and above that, a larger hole. This hole was the original doorway to the Rood Screen Loft. The remains of a stone staircase can be seen.
The original rood screen was removed in the 16th century, and the loft door was covered up when the walls were plastered over. This was only rediscovered when the walls were stripped of the plaster.
The west wall of the original South Transept Chapel now forms the East wall of the current Chapel. The two arches in the East wall of the South transept Chapel were blocked up. After is a 16th century square headed window, common of that period.
In the centre of the South window, is the Lieutenant General Nicholas & Sir Evan Nepean window. Nicholas & Evan were brothers, both born in Saltash. Their father Nicholas was Mayor of Saltash Borough, their mother was Johanna Francesca Nepean. Whilst the Nepean family have largely been forgotten in their hometown and country, they are deeply remembered and honoured in Australia. On the left of the window, is the Memorial to the Fallen.
The altar is the original High Altar, which was apparently too small. In the floor is the tomb of William Kenley Hall. Unfortunately, not much is known about him.
The last memorial of note in here is above the arch, it relates to the Chapel being repainted in 1866. It is inscribed “This chapel was repaired 1862, John Cook Esq. Mayor, Died July 20th, 1875, aged 65 years. Elected 9 years in Succession, Mayor of this borough”.
On the stand opposite the pulpit is a transcript of the letter from Charles I to the inhabitants of Cornwall. It reads:
“WE are so highly sensible of the extraordinary Merits of Our County of Cornwall for their Zeal for the Defence of our Person and the Just Rights of Our Crown, in a time when We could contribute so little to Our own Defence, or to their Assistance; (in a time when not only no Reward appeared, but great and probable Dangers were threatened to Obedience and Loyalty) of their Great and Eminent Courage and Patience in their Indefatigable prosecution of their great work against so Potent a Enemy, backt with so Strong, Rich and Populous Cities and so plentiful furnished with Men, Arms, Money, Ammunition and Provisions of all kinds; and of the wonderful success with which it hath pleased Almighty God (though with the loss of some Eminent persons, who shall never be forgotten by Us to reward their Loyalty and Patience) by many strange Victories over their and Our Enemies, in despite of all humane probabilities and all imaginable disadvantages that as We cannot be forgetful of so great deserts, so We cannot but to desire to punish to all the World, and to perpetuate to all time the memory of their Merits, and of Our acceptance of the same. And to that end, We do hereby render Our Royal Thanks to that Our County in the most publick and lasting manner We can devise Commanding Copies hereof to be printed and published, and one of them to be read in every Church and Chapel therein, and to be kept for ever as a Record in the same, that as long as the History these Times and of this Nation shall continue, the Memory of how much that County hath merited from Us and Our Crown, may be derived with it to Prosperity”
“Given at our Camp at Sudly Castle the Tenth of September 1643.”
The next memorial we come to is the third and final Hawkins memorial, however, this memorial does present some confusion, unfortunately, but it is believed that this may be Capt. Edward Hawkins, father. The inscription reads “Sacred to the memory of Edward Hawkins, who died January MDCCCXIII (1813); Aged XCIII (93) years. Also, Mary, his Wife in May MDCCCXIV (1814); Aged LXXII (72) years. Also, Ann, their daughter, who died MDCCLXXVII (1777), aged IV years and VI months (4 years 6 months).
The next window is “The Pearn Memorial Window “. This window was given by Mr. Charles George Pearn of 120 Fore Street, Saltash in loving memory of his Sister Celena Catherine Pearn, who died suddenly April 10th, 1907, aged 54 years, his Father William Pearn, who died May 17th, 1890, aged 77 years, and his mother, Celena Pearn, who died June 11th, 1901, aged 84 years. It depicts St. Germanus, St. Boniface, and St. Nicholas. Owing to the growth and regeneration of Saltash, today this would be in Lower Fore Street.
Next, we come to The Blocked Up South Doorway. It is believed that this doorway was to an adjoining monastic building. Inset are two drawings, the top is a drawing of the Church, showing some of the architectural points of interest, by the late Revd Warwick Jones. The lower one was given to the church by its artist Cllr Pete Samuels, as a thanks for allowing the church to be used for Mayor choosing.
After the blocked doorway, there is a brass plaque, this is the Kelly Memorial and reads “To the Glory of God and in memory of Felix Alfred Pearce Kelly of this Borough and formally a Private in the 1st (Saltash) Company of the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry afterwards a Private in the 1st Battalion Scots Guards who died of fever at Wynberg March 17th, 1900, after serving at the Battles of Belmont, Graspan, Modder River, and Magersfountain in the South African War aged 19 years.” This tablet is erected by public subscriptions from the inhabitants of this borough.
The last window and memorial on our journey around this ancient church is the 2nd Lt. John Scarlett Pym D.C.M Memorial Window which reads “To the Glory of God and in dear memory of John Scarlett Pym D.C.M. (Distinguished Conduct Medal) – Scout Sergeant in the Royal Canadian Dragoons, afterwards 2nd Lieutenant the Queen's Regiment. Killed in action on the river Somme, 5th December 1916 only son of Flora and Walter H.J. Pym Paymaster Captain R.N. Be thou faithful unto death and I will give thee the Crown of Life.”
Walking around to the North side of the Church, (between the Guildhall and the Church). Between the first and second windows there is a drain downpipe, just below the hopper and between the first and second bracket, you will notice a row of stones forming an arch. This was the original site of the North door.
The Tower was the last Norman feature to be built, it was built using “Caen stone”, (which was quarried in France, near the town of Caen, and brought over to England by the Normans), unlike the rest of the building which used “Tartan down stone”, (which came from the Tartan Down Quarry at Landrake).
A Tower over the North Transept is a rare feature in Cornish Churches. The Caen Stone, the creamy-yellow blocks can be seen on the corners of the tower, and the internal corners of the Tower. It is noticeable that the tower was constructed in 3 stages, each stage smaller than the previous.
The tower contains six bells; their dates range from 1760 to 1959. During the 1869 restoration, the walls were raised, and a new roof was put into position. The Tower was also raised. The belfry was also renovated and a set of “Ellacombe Chimes” were introduced.
In 1902, the 5th and Tenor bells were sent away to a London firm of Bell Foundries for recasting. It was decided that the front four bells should be sent as well so that the whole set could be re-tuned and harmonised.
Upon their return, the 5th and Tenor bells were found to of had the original inscription replaced with “Mears & Stainbank Founders, London. Re-cast 1902. Coronation of King Edward VII. R.T. Meadows, Mayor. W. Aggett and Son’s, Bell Hangers, Chagford.” Mears & Stainbank were based at 32 - 34 Whitechapel Rd, London, and was in business from 1865 to 1965.
In 1959/60, the 3rd bell was found to be cracked and again needed re-casting. As previously, the whole set was sent away, this time to John Taylor & Co. Ltd in Loughborough for retuning and harmonising. Upon their return, they were all rehung in a new bell frame.
It dates to about 1730, in the reign of King George III. Although no manufactures name appears on the clock frame in all probability it is of a baroque style. The clock is one type of clock known as a “Turret Clock” and from that classification a “Side by Side Birdcage Clock”. Birdcage clocks date from about 1670.
As you look up at the celling bosses, there will be many different designs on them. The Tudor Rose appears on multiple occasions.
Prince Richard, 1st Earl of Cornwall; was a major benefactor of St. Nicholas Chapel. His coat of arms is situated on one of the bosses, in the Chancel, 3rd & 4th from the East wall. He was born 5th January 1209 in Winchester. He was the second Son of King John and Isabella of Angouleme.
Clergy of SS. Nicholas & Faith
Notable People
