https://arts.st-andrews.ac.uk/intellectualhistory/files/original/4329dcbeffae73c132b2739ba814a7f6.pdf 7660a5092742e9876d99c4866601489d PDF Text Text THIRD AND REVISED EDITION ce11sare found where the sunlight never comes. The cell also had a grating, accessible from the churchyard, through which she received food. Through the quatrefoil she received the Blessed Sacrament. THE FONT This was moved from close to the west pillar to its present position, in the 19th century. It is of Purbeck marb]e with central stem, angle shafts and foliated capitals. It is Early English, 13th century, and .was probably being constructed and erected at the time when St. Francis of Assisi was preaching in Europe. It was most skilfully restored in 1955. This work and a tablet in the Bray Chancel was in memory of Reynold, son of Sir Jocelyn and Lady Bray, who died in the Arctic in 1938. A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JAMES SHERE >c:: 0 I- ~ I ...J <( The coffer is made of oak and dates from the early 13th century. This chest was one of a series ordered to be placed in all parish churches throughout Christendom by Pope Innocent III. In these·chests gifts for the support of the Crusaders were to be placed. The three locks are of later date, the keys being held by three responsible parishioners. This was an early form of combination Jock. THE CRUSADER ALMS COFFER There is a fine chalice dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It bears the hall-mark of 1569. It is used on all the great festivals of the chµrch, and was also used on the morning of the Coronation Day of Queen Elizabeth II. The Sacrament in the chalice is of much greater importance than the chalice itself, but nevertheless this sacred Cup does link us with our forefathers. ::J tuw ...J ...J w 1- z w 1- ::J 1j::: Vl z THE CHALICE w ~ :::c: u ci::: .. <C :; :·...-~- ~ • 0 r,~:,,::·:_ THE RECTORSOF SHERE 1270 1300 1307 1316 1320 1323 1331 1364. 1375 1379 1390 1407 1409 1412 1475 1478 1480 1516 1518 Thomas Grey Robert Peterson Henry Lathum .. . John Lloyd... .. . Owen Lewis Richard Smith, B.D. John Hoare Thomas Duncombe, D.D. George Duncombe . . . . .. Thomas Duncombe . . . . .. Thomas Duncombe, M.A. John Duncomb Thomas Duncombe . . . . .. Daniel C. Delafosse . . . .. . Richard L. Adams, M.A. Richard L. Adams, M.A. Frederick C. Hill, M.A. . .. Sir Paget M. Bowman, Bt., M.A. E. Reginald Hougham, A.K.C. BIDDLllS LTD,, PRINTBRS, OUJI.DFORD :::c: ...I <C (as known from 1270). Ilarius ... ... . .. Elias de Beckenham Elias Lawles . . . . .. Alan de Hotham ... William de Marisco Mathew de Redeman .. . John de Walshe ...... . John de Sancto de Neoto Thomas Cook Robert Sekyngton John Walter ... William Talbot Robert Scarclif John Pope ... John Banaster Robert Hill ... John Banaster Reginald Bray John Pittis, M.A. tV) I 1537 1543 1555 1572 1580 1612 1651 1658 1714 1746 1764 1804 1805 1843 1859 1876 1893 1919 1950 ::::, t- uw ...I ...I w t- z �·•·· "THERE IS A CHURCH. ·-------. - ,, (From reference to Shere, Domesday Book, 1087.) THE first picture in this booklet is one of the church in use to-day. 'I ' .. , t ' .... ~ : r• I' It is important to remember that parish churches are the sacred places where I .•""'I ' -__ - .......... ~ - •- • - - - . .._____ _..:-______ ~ 0 I- !!! God has been and is worshipped in the name of Jesus Christ. The cJergy I and laity who love and have loved this Church have always had three tasks t- set before them. One, to make it a house of prayer and worship ...J ...J ...J <( ::J u w w 1- for Christiap men. Two, to preserve it from the depredations of wind !! 0- o:.. O',_ l!J z and weather, of bug and beetle. Three, to bring into it the work of artists and craftsmen who by their endeavours will beautify this building. + II) '6) The story of this church is long indeed. For well over a thousand years 0 ._J ~ d \) 0 V) z w ~ ::c: Wars, revolts, fears, pestilence and famine have surged around it. At <( times there has been only just enough faith to preserve it and then in the > ~ We who are responsible now (I write in the year 1965)hope that we may ::::s Vl l- light of the love of God during the years of renewal and revival men have sought to restore and beautify it. ::c w 1::J I~ of dark days and regained its strength and beauty in the good times. o f- ~ c -~ • • a church has stood on this site. It has withstood the storms and ravages z do our duty and leave this our parish ·church a beautiful and worthy building which future generations will cherish and preserve. This is the place where to-day the love of God is preached, the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and the sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church are administered. This is our work and purpose in season and out of season. To the blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be praise and glory, world without end. 3 u ~ 0 Iv, ::c: ...I <( ::::, 1- u w ...I ...I w 1- z �AN OUTLINE OF HISTORY (Tiu.>dates show11beloll' ar<' approximately correct.) A.D. 750. It is certain that a church stood on this site long before the Norman Conquest. As early as the 7th century Shere was most likely visited by one of the early missionaries of Christianity. St. Augustine had landed in Kent in the year 597, and the bishoprics of London and Rochester were founded in 604. Archbishop Theodore set out to reorganise the life of the church and he consecrated Lothere Bishop of Winchester in the year 670. The parish of Shere was in the diocese of Winchester until 1926 when the new diocese of Guildford was formed. >0:: 0 I- ~ I ...J ~ ::J 1- u w A.D. 900-1087. ...J ...J w 1- The Domesday Book records the existence of a church at Essira (Shere) in 1087. It was probably-a Saxon church. This is the quotation: "The King holds in domain Essira. Eddid the Queen (Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor) did hold it. THERE1s A CHURCH and six serfs and two mills of ten shillings each, three acres of meadow, woodland for fifty swine." It seems certain that the Saxon church was completely replaced, and any Saxon remains that exist must be in walls and foundations. z w 1- ::J I- i== Vl z w ~ ::c ·A.D. 1150-1190 (HENRY II AND RICHARD I). 1190 AND 1194. RICHARD'S CRUSADES. The church had taken its present form about 1190. It is a complete "Transition" church, the work being of the rare earliest "Early English" type. The chancel was shorter than at present, the windows were lancets, and the tower at this period had a low shingled roof. 1221. FRIARS LAND IN ENGLAND. u 0::: < > 0::: 0 I- V) ::c ..J < ::> A.D. 1258 (HENRY III). THE BATTLEOF SHERE. The government of Simon de Montfort had made an order that no aliens should be allowed to take more than a certain proportion of their goods out of the country when leaving. This order applied to one Aymer de •Lusignan who was bishop elect of Winchester, the richest see in England. It seems that de Lusignan had laid up money and goods in Shere which he intended to convey to Winchester and then out of the country. Encouraged by the parJiamentary order, the men of Shere endeavoured to prevent him doing this. A fight occurred (known as the battle), probably at the church and the manor. There were 50 men in the bishop's party. Amongst the Shere men were Philip Alphegh, Rd. Attewood and Roger de Kyneston. There was one casualty, Philip Alphegh was killed. An order was made to· the guardians of the bishopric of Winchester (appointed after the flight of Aymer), to make satisfaction to the men of Shere. This was without prejudice to the proceedings in the county court of Surrey, which went on continuously for the next eight years. The men of Shere indicting first one and then another of the Bishop's men for murder and robbery. A.D. 1240-1270 (HENRYIII ANDEDWARD 1). The first alterations were made to the church at this time. This may have been due to the fact that the church was connected with Netley Abbey, Southampton. The Abbot of Netley was Lord of the Manor of Goms~all Netley, from 1239.. The tower was heightened and other alterations are shown on the diagram on page 2 of this guide. 4 5 1u w ..J ..J w 1- z PARISH COMMUNION-THE GOSPEL. T~e Lusignans protected some of the accused and royal pardons were obtained for others, including Bishop Pantler (1261), the Archdeacon of Surrey (1262), and for a crossbowman (1266). �I t II ~ >0::: 0 I- !!! I ...J <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1- z w I:) I- i= V') z w THE QUATREFOIL AND SQUINT cl4th century>. ~ :::c: u 0::: <( > 0::: 0 ~ V') :::c: ..J <( ::::> ~ u w ..J ..J w ~ z THE FONT (1200 A.D.). THE ELIZABETHAN CHALICE (1569 A.D.). �A.O. 1329 (EDWARD Ill). 1329. THI:.DEATHOf RonERTBRUCE. An application was made to the Bishop of Winchester for the enclosure of Christine, daughter of William called the Carpenter, as an anchoress in a cell on the north side of the church. Consent was given on 14th August, 1329. Permission to re-enclose her after breaking out from her cell was given in 1332 (see separate leaflet for recently discovered documents). 1349. FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE BLACK DEATH. -l A.D. 1370-1390 (RICHARD II). About this time an arch was opened in the north wall of the crossing and the St. Nicholas' Chapel built between the existing buttresses. The arch on the south side of the chancel was enlarged, incorporating the western jamb of the earlier small arch. The chancel was lengthened, its north wall rebuilt, and the pointed east and west arches of the crossing now replaced the original round ones. The spire was built, and the original timbers of English oak still support it to-day. 1500. SHERE CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS EXIST FROM THIS YEAR. 1536. DISSOLUTION OF THE MONASTERIES BEGINS. 1547. SHERE REGISTERS EXIST FROM THIS YEAR. A.O. 1547 VI). 1549. FIRST BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. With the coming of the Reformation the great Lady Chapel of this church, with its fine 12th-century arch with deep mouldings and clustered shafts of Purbeck marble, was filled with pews. These pews, long ago removed, have been replaced by the existing ones. It will be noted that they seem to face in the wrong direction. This is because the centre of worship moved for a limited period from the altar to the pulpit. Jt was from a three-decker pulpit that Rector and Clerk conducted the services of the church. Holy Communion was celebrated only occasionally during the year. With the Catholic Revival of 1833 the focus of the worship of the church moved back to the altar. The eastern end of the Lady Chapel (including the step on which formerly stood the altar) is known as the Bray Chancel. The head of the Bray family has been Lord of the Manor since 1487. •·. ~ .• ' i. 1 '-:::~.• '. : ;•.:·:.,f ;· :~·i. . - .. r. /t:; .·::• ~):···.~ ••'-•J:f,. ~: -1¥ THE SOUTH DOORWAY. (EDWARD A.O. 1724 (GEORGE 1). Answers made to Visitation Articles of Dr. Willis, Bishop of Winchester. ..SHIERE.Patrons, the Duncombe family. Rector, George Duncombe. Population about 550. No papist, no meeting, no dissenter. Edward Budgeon, Esq. (of Sutton in Shiere) and Edward Bray, Esq. are the only resident gentlemen. There is a school for reading, writing and keeping accounts, not endowed. One Dame teaches about 20 or 30 children, two others 12 or 14 each. Smith's Charity is distributed. Forty shillings given at the discretion of the parish officers and a few loaves on Sundays. Mr. Duncombe encloses copies of letters which he has written to his churchwardens and overseers touching their new Poor House. Mr. Duncombe added 'Whence only a miracle can cause the impotent poor to come to church'." Note.-The Poor House still stands at Peaslake and is now two cottages opposite the butcher's shop. 9 >a::: 0 I- ~ I ...J ~ :) tu w ...J ...J w 1- z w I:) I- i= VI z w ~ J: u 0::: < ~ 0 I- V) J: ..J < ::> 1u w ..J ..J w 1- z �co ("'r') rood which hung from the tympanum (the heavy beam at the east end of the north aisle). T_herood-almost certainly a hanging rood. was a great feature of the medieval church. Note.-Rood: a large crucifix with figures of the Virgin Mary and St. John standing at the foot of the Cross. An important task for the men of the village was to see that the Iight or lights burning before the rood did not go out. · >0::: 0 I- !!! 1861 (QUEEN VICTORIA). I ...J An important restoration took place. The high pews shown on page l O were removed; the present pews fitted and the floors laid. Open (free) sittings were placed under the gallery. Brasses were refixed and the !hree-decker p~lpit lowered to its present height. The musicians' gallery m the north aisle was removed. The barrel organ was in use at this time. The total cost of the restoration was £565. <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1- z w I- )870. THE EDUCATION BILL. :) I- i= V') z w ~ :::c: u 0::: <( > 0::: 0 ~ V') :::c: ..J <( ::::> ~ CHANCEL u w 1800-1850. ..J ..J w ~ 1748 (GEORGE II). The West Gallery was erected by public subscriptions, thereby completely spoiling the proportions of the church. lt was undoubtedly erected for the poor of the parish. It cost £27 18s. 6d., and there were 137 subscribers. There was also a musicians' gallery running along the north wall of the north aisle. Access to this was by an outside stairway. The outline of the entrance door is still visible in the north wait 1848 (QUEEN VICTORIA). Rood window restored. High in the north wall of the north aisle. This poor reproduction of an early Englis~ ~indo~ replaced an earlie~ one in this position. The purpose of the ongmal wmdow had been to hght the 10 z CHANCEL 1898-1955. 11 �1895-1896 (QUEEN VICTORIA). The chanees that took place at the beginning of the incumbency of the Rev. F. C. Hill represented more than restoration, for it was a time when the church caught up on the many changes that had taken place in the Church of England since the Catholic Revival that began in 1833. The chancel was refurnished and altar raised on two steps. Woodwork was done by Dr. J. Cory who was organist and cryoirmaster. The present organ was given at this time by Miss Locke Kmg (second-hand from a Dorking Church). The spire was repaired inside and out and the remaining high pews were lowered. Two bells were added and a new floor erected for the ringing chamber. For 70 years the bells had been rung from the church floor beneath the crossing. The cut of the bell ropes can be seen in the stonework. The clerk's seat was removed from the pulpit and choir stalls and Clergy stalls set in the chancel. A robed choir was introduced about this time and this was considered very high church and very revolutionary. The new choir vestry was built and a new heating system installed. The total cost of all the work done was £2,430. >0'. 0 I- !!! I ...J <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1902 (EDWARD VII). 1- z The present east window was presented by Mr. Arthur Hill in memory of his wife. The lych gate was erected in memory of Marjorie Rachel Mary Warren (daughter of Reginald More Bray), and the architect who designed it was Sir Edwin Lutyens. (GEORGE VI). This year marked the beginning of one of the greatest periods of restoration in the long history of this church. The ravages of the death watch beetle had affected many of the roof timbers. The south aisle was dealt with in this year and the plaster ceilings were removed. Oak beams and rafters were replaced where necessary. The total cost of this work was £1,800. 1939. THE SECOND WORLD WAR. The church survived this war without being damaged in any way. Bombs fell in the village and its surroundings but did not affect the church. w I:) I- i= Vl z 1937 VI). The interrupted work of restoration was now continued. The spire was reshingled with Canadian Red Cedar and the cost of this was £588. At the same time the bells were dismantled and overhauled at a cost of £556. The rendering and the stonework of the tower had badly deteriorated. This work was now dealt with and all stonework on window and louvre openings was renewed. Ewhurst sandstone from the local quarry was used for this work and it was cut and worked on the site. Cost £1,937. 1946-1953 (GEORGE 1956 (ELIZABETH JI). As the restoration continued a new task began to appear. Not only must the church be restored but it must also be beautified. This meant renewing much of the ~hurch furniture. We were. f?rt~nate in finding,_as our architect, Mr. Louis Osman, F.R.I.B.A., and rt rs his work and design that you can now see in the chancel. The work done at this period was as follows: The beams of the chancel roof treated and restored. The plaster ceiling removed. The chancel walls decorated and repaired. The monuments at the east end cleaned and recoloured. The altar steps (added in l 895) were now removed. This work commenced in 1957. 12 w ~ :::c: u CHANCEL 1958. Generous gifts were received from parishioners in order to complete this part of the work. These included,()) Altar Cross and Candlesticks in iron, plated copper and gilt (There are five bronze reliefs in the cross representing the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, the Twelve Apostles, the Resurrection); (2) a fine silver ciborium; (3) tiles for the sanctuary specially made after the style of specimens found in the old floor; (4) an altar of English oak; (5) fair linen and altar linen; (6) oak stand and flower vases; (7) an aumbry specially cast in bronze; (8) two frontals of unusual design. c::: <C > c::: 0 I- V) :::c: ..J <C ::::> 1- u w ..J ..J w This frontal is made of white horsehair, with horsehair fringes embroidered in gold and silver. There are twelve stones in silver gilt settings. The idea of the frontal is to attempt to portray the glory of the heavenly worship. The twelve stones symbolise: (a) the Twelve Apostles; (b) Twelve Tribes of Israel. The stones are green jasper, lapis lazuli, dioptase, rock crystal, red and white onyx, red jasper, green serpentine, green chalcedony, sapphire and amethyst. WHITE FRONTAL Jn nylon straw, silver rope edging. Embroidered in silver and gold. Symbols: in the centre, Eternity and the Blessed Trinity; the fish represents the Church. The symbols on the left-hand side, the Magi and the Star; the right-hand side, Adam and Eve and the Serpent. GREEN FRONTAL 13 1- z �N THE GLASS This church contains fragments _orsome of the ol~est glass in the county. The east wmdow has~ collection of 13th-century grisaille glass showing stiff f?liage, some ~f 1t on a red background; it has been grouped_together m the angle lights. In the tracery quatrefoils of the east wmdow of ~he Bray Chanc~I are the symbols of the four Evangelists-an Angel m a red robe with yellow wings for St. Matthew; a Lion in gold for St. Mark; the Bull for St. Luke; and the Eagle for St. John. In the angle lights _arethe arms. of successive lords of the Manor. A Hemp Bray (a machine for break~ng flax) can be seen in various places; this is the crest of the Bray family. In the window of the Chapel of St. Nicholas there are thrt:e red roses and one white commemorating the end of the long war which rent. the 15th century. • There is much Chiddingfold glass in the so~th aisle. Chiddingfold in Surrey was the first and most famous glass-makmg centre in England from 1226 onwards. This was because bracken, sand, and wood were all plentiful there. Design of Frontals: Louis Osman. Design of Detail: Geoffrey Clarke. Embroideress: Mrs. Thea Sommelatte. 1965 {ELIZABETH IJ). THE PENITENTIAL This is a • FRONTAL under the frontal in three dimensions and remains altar. There is a large coHage by Frank Auray Wilson depicting the terror and confusion of crucifixion, but this is caught up in a background of silver light. It is death and resurrection expressed in one bold symbolic form. It is in use during the seasons of Lent and Advent. The design was by Louis Osman. For the first time since the Reformation the church now has a carved figure of its patron saint. This figure was carved by John Cobbett and given anonymously in memory of one who worshipped here. • THE ST. JAMES A CRUCIFIX. Carved in wood and given by Jean de Courcy. position for this has not yet been decided. The The West Doorway is a fine example of Early English work dating from the early 13th century. The door bears' the date 1626 and has a curious lock-plate. The South Doorway provides a good example _ofTransi!ion st~le; here the arch is round with fine late Norman decoration, associated with Pet~orth marble shafts and carved capitals in Early English style. The door itself is made of rough oak, well studded, and is said to date from .a~out the year i200. The curious little door at the foot of the tower stair 1s made of carved wood from 18th-century pews. DOORWAYS AND DOORS Plans are now being completed to restore the chancel and to remove from the chancel organ and choir. This is a major work and it is believed that when completed both the music and worship will benefit as well as restoring the chancel to its original form. RESITING THE ORGAN AND CHOIR • The end is not yet. We hope and pray that if we are not permitted to see the end of this labour of love others will come and do what we have left undone and complete that which we have started. NOTES ON SPECIAL FEATURES The fabric is a mixture of Bargate stone and rubble, ironstone, flints, Caen stone, re-used Roman tiles, clunch from the chalk pits of the North Downs, Horsham slab on part of the roof, Purbeck and Petworth marble (not true marble but limestone easily polished), English oak, and Tudor brick. MATERIALS I- ~ I ...J <( ::J tuw ...J ...J w 1- z w 1- ::J 1j::: Vl z w ~ The best known is that of Robert Scarclif, a former Rector who died in 1412and whose will is still preserved 'at Lambeth. He left many gifts to Shere, including Mass vestments, books and pictures. A second brass on the chancel floor commemorates Lord Audley, and there is one in the south aisle to John Redford, a churchwarden, of Go!11shall. Another brass in the aisle is to Oliver Sandys, •'Which Olev died the 17th day of November in the year of Our Lord 1512. On whos soul Jesu have mci (mercy)." u Shere possesses a complete ring of eight bells. The Churchwardens' Book (1500-1612)contains many entries relating to the bells. Jt appears that in 1500 there were three bells, and by 1529 two more had been added. The Commissioners' Inventory of 1552 reports five bells, and entries about the settlement of a claim by Eldridges the famous bell-founders, probably relate to a sixth bell. These were reca;t in 1712 by Richard Phelps and are so inscribed, but the tenor and six were recast in the last century. There is a fine ringing chamber reached by a winding staircase, the door of which is found on the ~outh side of the crossing. In this chamber are recorded the peals achieved by local ringers. u w MONUMENTAL BRASSES THE BELLS ,. The dates of the various windows can be seen in the plan. Four of the late 12th-century lancets remain, and in the 19th century two debased lancet windows were added in the south wall of the south aisle. The quatrefoil and squint, to be found in the north wall of the chancel near the organ, were originally apertures through which Christine, daughter of William the Carpenter, made her contacts with the church. Her cell was built on the north wall, for to become an anchoress demanded a high degree of asceticism. In nearly all cases such 14 15 THE WINDOWS 0 :::c: "If men loved Pimlico as mothers love children, arbitrarily because it is theirs, Pimlico in a year or two might be fairer than Florence. Some will say that this is mere fantasy. I answer that this is the actual history of mankind. This, as a fact, is how cities grow great. Go back to the darkest roots of civilisation and you will find men knotted round some sacred stone or encircling some sacred well. People at first paid honour to a spot and afterwards gained glory for it. MEN DID NOT LOVE ROME BECAUSE SHE WAS GREAT. SHE WAS GREAT BECAUSE THEY HAD LOVED HER." G. K. Chesterton-"Orthodoxy." Compiled and written by Rev. E. R. Hougham (Rector). April, 1961. >c:: CHRISTINEANCHORESS OF SHERE ci::: <C ~ 0 I- V) :::c: ...I <C ::::, t...I ...I w 1- z � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Churches Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Text Any textual data included in the document THIRD AND REVISED EDITION ce11sare found where the sunlight never comes. The cell also had a grating, accessible from the churchyard, through which she received food. Through the quatrefoil she received the Blessed Sacrament. THE FONT This was moved from close to the west pillar to its present position, in the 19th century. It is of Purbeck marb]e with central stem, angle shafts and foliated capitals. It is Early English, 13th century, and .was probably being constructed and erected at the time when St. Francis of Assisi was preaching in Europe. It was most skilfully restored in 1955. This work and a tablet in the Bray Chancel was in memory of Reynold, son of Sir Jocelyn and Lady Bray, who died in the Arctic in 1938. A HISTORY OF THE CHURCH OF ST. JAMES SHERE >c:: 0 I- ~ I ...J <( The coffer is made of oak and dates from the early 13th century. This chest was one of a series ordered to be placed in all parish churches throughout Christendom by Pope Innocent III. In these·chests gifts for the support of the Crusaders were to be placed. The three locks are of later date, the keys being held by three responsible parishioners. This was an early form of combination Jock. THE CRUSADER ALMS COFFER There is a fine chalice dating from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. It bears the hall-mark of 1569. It is used on all the great festivals of the chµrch, and was also used on the morning of the Coronation Day of Queen Elizabeth II. The Sacrament in the chalice is of much greater importance than the chalice itself, but nevertheless this sacred Cup does link us with our forefathers. ::J tuw ...J ...J w 1- z w 1- ::J 1j::: Vl z THE CHALICE w ~ :::c: u ci::: .. <C :; :·...-~- ~ • 0 r,~:,,::·:_ THE RECTORSOF SHERE 1270 1300 1307 1316 1320 1323 1331 1364. 1375 1379 1390 1407 1409 1412 1475 1478 1480 1516 1518 Thomas Grey Robert Peterson Henry Lathum .. . John Lloyd... .. . Owen Lewis Richard Smith, B.D. John Hoare Thomas Duncombe, D.D. George Duncombe . . . . .. Thomas Duncombe . . . . .. Thomas Duncombe, M.A. John Duncomb Thomas Duncombe . . . . .. Daniel C. Delafosse . . . .. . Richard L. Adams, M.A. Richard L. Adams, M.A. Frederick C. Hill, M.A. . .. Sir Paget M. Bowman, Bt., M.A. E. Reginald Hougham, A.K.C. BIDDLllS LTD,, PRINTBRS, OUJI.DFORD :::c: ...I <C (as known from 1270). Ilarius ... ... . .. Elias de Beckenham Elias Lawles . . . . .. Alan de Hotham ... William de Marisco Mathew de Redeman .. . John de Walshe ...... . John de Sancto de Neoto Thomas Cook Robert Sekyngton John Walter ... William Talbot Robert Scarclif John Pope ... John Banaster Robert Hill ... John Banaster Reginald Bray John Pittis, M.A. tV) I 1537 1543 1555 1572 1580 1612 1651 1658 1714 1746 1764 1804 1805 1843 1859 1876 1893 1919 1950 ::::, t- uw ...I ...I w t- z ·•·· "THERE IS A CHURCH. ·-------. - ,, (From reference to Shere, Domesday Book, 1087.) THE first picture in this booklet is one of the church in use to-day. 'I ' .. , t ' .... ~ : r• I' It is important to remember that parish churches are the sacred places where I .•""'I ' -__ - .......... ~ - •- • - - - . .._____ _..:-______ ~ 0 I- !!! God has been and is worshipped in the name of Jesus Christ. The cJergy I and laity who love and have loved this Church have always had three tasks t- set before them. One, to make it a house of prayer and worship ...J ...J ...J <( ::J u w w 1- for Christiap men. Two, to preserve it from the depredations of wind !! 0- o:.. O',_ l!J z and weather, of bug and beetle. Three, to bring into it the work of artists and craftsmen who by their endeavours will beautify this building. + II) '6) The story of this church is long indeed. For well over a thousand years 0 ._J ~ d \) 0 V) z w ~ ::c: Wars, revolts, fears, pestilence and famine have surged around it. At <( times there has been only just enough faith to preserve it and then in the > ~ We who are responsible now (I write in the year 1965)hope that we may ::::s Vl l- light of the love of God during the years of renewal and revival men have sought to restore and beautify it. ::c w 1::J I~ of dark days and regained its strength and beauty in the good times. o f- ~ c -~ • • a church has stood on this site. It has withstood the storms and ravages z do our duty and leave this our parish ·church a beautiful and worthy building which future generations will cherish and preserve. This is the place where to-day the love of God is preached, the gospel of Jesus Christ is proclaimed and the sacraments of the Holy Catholic Church are administered. This is our work and purpose in season and out of season. To the blessed Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be praise and glory, world without end. 3 u ~ 0 Iv, ::c: ...I <( ::::, 1- u w ...I ...I w 1- z AN OUTLINE OF HISTORY (Tiu.>dates show11beloll' ar<' approximately correct.) A.D. 750. It is certain that a church stood on this site long before the Norman Conquest. As early as the 7th century Shere was most likely visited by one of the early missionaries of Christianity. St. Augustine had landed in Kent in the year 597, and the bishoprics of London and Rochester were founded in 604. Archbishop Theodore set out to reorganise the life of the church and he consecrated Lothere Bishop of Winchester in the year 670. The parish of Shere was in the diocese of Winchester until 1926 when the new diocese of Guildford was formed. >0:: 0 I- ~ I ...J ~ ::J 1- u w A.D. 900-1087. ...J ...J w 1- The Domesday Book records the existence of a church at Essira (Shere) in 1087. It was probably-a Saxon church. This is the quotation: "The King holds in domain Essira. Eddid the Queen (Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor) did hold it. THERE1s A CHURCH and six serfs and two mills of ten shillings each, three acres of meadow, woodland for fifty swine." It seems certain that the Saxon church was completely replaced, and any Saxon remains that exist must be in walls and foundations. z w 1- ::J I- i== Vl z w ~ ::c ·A.D. 1150-1190 (HENRY II AND RICHARD I). 1190 AND 1194. RICHARD'S CRUSADES. The church had taken its present form about 1190. It is a complete "Transition" church, the work being of the rare earliest "Early English" type. The chancel was shorter than at present, the windows were lancets, and the tower at this period had a low shingled roof. 1221. FRIARS LAND IN ENGLAND. u 0::: < > 0::: 0 I- V) ::c ..J < ::> A.D. 1258 (HENRY III). THE BATTLEOF SHERE. The government of Simon de Montfort had made an order that no aliens should be allowed to take more than a certain proportion of their goods out of the country when leaving. This order applied to one Aymer de •Lusignan who was bishop elect of Winchester, the richest see in England. It seems that de Lusignan had laid up money and goods in Shere which he intended to convey to Winchester and then out of the country. Encouraged by the parJiamentary order, the men of Shere endeavoured to prevent him doing this. A fight occurred (known as the battle), probably at the church and the manor. There were 50 men in the bishop's party. Amongst the Shere men were Philip Alphegh, Rd. Attewood and Roger de Kyneston. There was one casualty, Philip Alphegh was killed. An order was made to· the guardians of the bishopric of Winchester (appointed after the flight of Aymer), to make satisfaction to the men of Shere. This was without prejudice to the proceedings in the county court of Surrey, which went on continuously for the next eight years. The men of Shere indicting first one and then another of the Bishop's men for murder and robbery. A.D. 1240-1270 (HENRYIII ANDEDWARD 1). The first alterations were made to the church at this time. This may have been due to the fact that the church was connected with Netley Abbey, Southampton. The Abbot of Netley was Lord of the Manor of Goms~all Netley, from 1239.. The tower was heightened and other alterations are shown on the diagram on page 2 of this guide. 4 5 1u w ..J ..J w 1- z PARISH COMMUNION-THE GOSPEL. T~e Lusignans protected some of the accused and royal pardons were obtained for others, including Bishop Pantler (1261), the Archdeacon of Surrey (1262), and for a crossbowman (1266). I t II ~ >0::: 0 I- !!! I ...J <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1- z w I:) I- i= V') z w THE QUATREFOIL AND SQUINT cl4th century>. ~ :::c: u 0::: <( > 0::: 0 ~ V') :::c: ..J <( ::::> ~ u w ..J ..J w ~ z THE FONT (1200 A.D.). THE ELIZABETHAN CHALICE (1569 A.D.). A.O. 1329 (EDWARD Ill). 1329. THI:.DEATHOf RonERTBRUCE. An application was made to the Bishop of Winchester for the enclosure of Christine, daughter of William called the Carpenter, as an anchoress in a cell on the north side of the church. Consent was given on 14th August, 1329. Permission to re-enclose her after breaking out from her cell was given in 1332 (see separate leaflet for recently discovered documents). 1349. FIRST APPEARANCE OF THE BLACK DEATH. -l A.D. 1370-1390 (RICHARD II). About this time an arch was opened in the north wall of the crossing and the St. Nicholas' Chapel built between the existing buttresses. The arch on the south side of the chancel was enlarged, incorporating the western jamb of the earlier small arch. The chancel was lengthened, its north wall rebuilt, and the pointed east and west arches of the crossing now replaced the original round ones. The spire was built, and the original timbers of English oak still support it to-day. 1500. SHERE CHURCHWARDENS' ACCOUNTS EXIST FROM THIS YEAR. 1536. DISSOLUTION OF THE MONASTERIES BEGINS. 1547. SHERE REGISTERS EXIST FROM THIS YEAR. A.O. 1547 VI). 1549. FIRST BOOK OF COMMON PRAYER. With the coming of the Reformation the great Lady Chapel of this church, with its fine 12th-century arch with deep mouldings and clustered shafts of Purbeck marble, was filled with pews. These pews, long ago removed, have been replaced by the existing ones. It will be noted that they seem to face in the wrong direction. This is because the centre of worship moved for a limited period from the altar to the pulpit. Jt was from a three-decker pulpit that Rector and Clerk conducted the services of the church. Holy Communion was celebrated only occasionally during the year. With the Catholic Revival of 1833 the focus of the worship of the church moved back to the altar. The eastern end of the Lady Chapel (including the step on which formerly stood the altar) is known as the Bray Chancel. The head of the Bray family has been Lord of the Manor since 1487. •·. ~ .• ' i. 1 '-:::~.• '. : ;•.:·:.,f ;· :~·i. . - .. r. /t:; .·::• ~):···.~ ••'-•J:f,. ~: -1¥ THE SOUTH DOORWAY. (EDWARD A.O. 1724 (GEORGE 1). Answers made to Visitation Articles of Dr. Willis, Bishop of Winchester. ..SHIERE.Patrons, the Duncombe family. Rector, George Duncombe. Population about 550. No papist, no meeting, no dissenter. Edward Budgeon, Esq. (of Sutton in Shiere) and Edward Bray, Esq. are the only resident gentlemen. There is a school for reading, writing and keeping accounts, not endowed. One Dame teaches about 20 or 30 children, two others 12 or 14 each. Smith's Charity is distributed. Forty shillings given at the discretion of the parish officers and a few loaves on Sundays. Mr. Duncombe encloses copies of letters which he has written to his churchwardens and overseers touching their new Poor House. Mr. Duncombe added 'Whence only a miracle can cause the impotent poor to come to church'." Note.-The Poor House still stands at Peaslake and is now two cottages opposite the butcher's shop. 9 >a::: 0 I- ~ I ...J ~ :) tu w ...J ...J w 1- z w I:) I- i= VI z w ~ J: u 0::: < ~ 0 I- V) J: ..J < ::> 1u w ..J ..J w 1- z co ("'r') rood which hung from the tympanum (the heavy beam at the east end of the north aisle). T_herood-almost certainly a hanging rood. was a great feature of the medieval church. Note.-Rood: a large crucifix with figures of the Virgin Mary and St. John standing at the foot of the Cross. An important task for the men of the village was to see that the Iight or lights burning before the rood did not go out. · >0::: 0 I- !!! 1861 (QUEEN VICTORIA). I ...J An important restoration took place. The high pews shown on page l O were removed; the present pews fitted and the floors laid. Open (free) sittings were placed under the gallery. Brasses were refixed and the !hree-decker p~lpit lowered to its present height. The musicians' gallery m the north aisle was removed. The barrel organ was in use at this time. The total cost of the restoration was £565. <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1- z w I- )870. THE EDUCATION BILL. :) I- i= V') z w ~ :::c: u 0::: <( > 0::: 0 ~ V') :::c: ..J <( ::::> ~ CHANCEL u w 1800-1850. ..J ..J w ~ 1748 (GEORGE II). The West Gallery was erected by public subscriptions, thereby completely spoiling the proportions of the church. lt was undoubtedly erected for the poor of the parish. It cost £27 18s. 6d., and there were 137 subscribers. There was also a musicians' gallery running along the north wall of the north aisle. Access to this was by an outside stairway. The outline of the entrance door is still visible in the north wait 1848 (QUEEN VICTORIA). Rood window restored. High in the north wall of the north aisle. This poor reproduction of an early Englis~ ~indo~ replaced an earlie~ one in this position. The purpose of the ongmal wmdow had been to hght the 10 z CHANCEL 1898-1955. 11 1895-1896 (QUEEN VICTORIA). The chanees that took place at the beginning of the incumbency of the Rev. F. C. Hill represented more than restoration, for it was a time when the church caught up on the many changes that had taken place in the Church of England since the Catholic Revival that began in 1833. The chancel was refurnished and altar raised on two steps. Woodwork was done by Dr. J. Cory who was organist and cryoirmaster. The present organ was given at this time by Miss Locke Kmg (second-hand from a Dorking Church). The spire was repaired inside and out and the remaining high pews were lowered. Two bells were added and a new floor erected for the ringing chamber. For 70 years the bells had been rung from the church floor beneath the crossing. The cut of the bell ropes can be seen in the stonework. The clerk's seat was removed from the pulpit and choir stalls and Clergy stalls set in the chancel. A robed choir was introduced about this time and this was considered very high church and very revolutionary. The new choir vestry was built and a new heating system installed. The total cost of all the work done was £2,430. >0'. 0 I- !!! I ...J <( ::::) 1- uw ...J ...J w 1902 (EDWARD VII). 1- z The present east window was presented by Mr. Arthur Hill in memory of his wife. The lych gate was erected in memory of Marjorie Rachel Mary Warren (daughter of Reginald More Bray), and the architect who designed it was Sir Edwin Lutyens. (GEORGE VI). This year marked the beginning of one of the greatest periods of restoration in the long history of this church. The ravages of the death watch beetle had affected many of the roof timbers. The south aisle was dealt with in this year and the plaster ceilings were removed. Oak beams and rafters were replaced where necessary. The total cost of this work was £1,800. 1939. THE SECOND WORLD WAR. The church survived this war without being damaged in any way. Bombs fell in the village and its surroundings but did not affect the church. w I:) I- i= Vl z 1937 VI). The interrupted work of restoration was now continued. The spire was reshingled with Canadian Red Cedar and the cost of this was £588. At the same time the bells were dismantled and overhauled at a cost of £556. The rendering and the stonework of the tower had badly deteriorated. This work was now dealt with and all stonework on window and louvre openings was renewed. Ewhurst sandstone from the local quarry was used for this work and it was cut and worked on the site. Cost £1,937. 1946-1953 (GEORGE 1956 (ELIZABETH JI). As the restoration continued a new task began to appear. Not only must the church be restored but it must also be beautified. This meant renewing much of the ~hurch furniture. We were. f?rt~nate in finding,_as our architect, Mr. Louis Osman, F.R.I.B.A., and rt rs his work and design that you can now see in the chancel. The work done at this period was as follows: The beams of the chancel roof treated and restored. The plaster ceiling removed. The chancel walls decorated and repaired. The monuments at the east end cleaned and recoloured. The altar steps (added in l 895) were now removed. This work commenced in 1957. 12 w ~ :::c: u CHANCEL 1958. Generous gifts were received from parishioners in order to complete this part of the work. These included,()) Altar Cross and Candlesticks in iron, plated copper and gilt (There are five bronze reliefs in the cross representing the Trinity, the Incarnation, the Crucifixion, the Twelve Apostles, the Resurrection); (2) a fine silver ciborium; (3) tiles for the sanctuary specially made after the style of specimens found in the old floor; (4) an altar of English oak; (5) fair linen and altar linen; (6) oak stand and flower vases; (7) an aumbry specially cast in bronze; (8) two frontals of unusual design. c::: <C > c::: 0 I- V) :::c: ..J <C ::::> 1- u w ..J ..J w This frontal is made of white horsehair, with horsehair fringes embroidered in gold and silver. There are twelve stones in silver gilt settings. The idea of the frontal is to attempt to portray the glory of the heavenly worship. The twelve stones symbolise: (a) the Twelve Apostles; (b) Twelve Tribes of Israel. The stones are green jasper, lapis lazuli, dioptase, rock crystal, red and white onyx, red jasper, green serpentine, green chalcedony, sapphire and amethyst. WHITE FRONTAL Jn nylon straw, silver rope edging. Embroidered in silver and gold. Symbols: in the centre, Eternity and the Blessed Trinity; the fish represents the Church. The symbols on the left-hand side, the Magi and the Star; the right-hand side, Adam and Eve and the Serpent. GREEN FRONTAL 13 1- z N THE GLASS This church contains fragments _orsome of the ol~est glass in the county. The east wmdow has~ collection of 13th-century grisaille glass showing stiff f?liage, some ~f 1t on a red background; it has been grouped_together m the angle lights. In the tracery quatrefoils of the east wmdow of ~he Bray Chanc~I are the symbols of the four Evangelists-an Angel m a red robe with yellow wings for St. Matthew; a Lion in gold for St. Mark; the Bull for St. Luke; and the Eagle for St. John. In the angle lights _arethe arms. of successive lords of the Manor. A Hemp Bray (a machine for break~ng flax) can be seen in various places; this is the crest of the Bray family. In the window of the Chapel of St. Nicholas there are thrt:e red roses and one white commemorating the end of the long war which rent. the 15th century. • There is much Chiddingfold glass in the so~th aisle. Chiddingfold in Surrey was the first and most famous glass-makmg centre in England from 1226 onwards. This was because bracken, sand, and wood were all plentiful there. Design of Frontals: Louis Osman. Design of Detail: Geoffrey Clarke. Embroideress: Mrs. Thea Sommelatte. 1965 {ELIZABETH IJ). THE PENITENTIAL This is a • FRONTAL under the frontal in three dimensions and remains altar. There is a large coHage by Frank Auray Wilson depicting the terror and confusion of crucifixion, but this is caught up in a background of silver light. It is death and resurrection expressed in one bold symbolic form. It is in use during the seasons of Lent and Advent. The design was by Louis Osman. For the first time since the Reformation the church now has a carved figure of its patron saint. This figure was carved by John Cobbett and given anonymously in memory of one who worshipped here. • THE ST. JAMES A CRUCIFIX. Carved in wood and given by Jean de Courcy. position for this has not yet been decided. The The West Doorway is a fine example of Early English work dating from the early 13th century. The door bears' the date 1626 and has a curious lock-plate. The South Doorway provides a good example _ofTransi!ion st~le; here the arch is round with fine late Norman decoration, associated with Pet~orth marble shafts and carved capitals in Early English style. The door itself is made of rough oak, well studded, and is said to date from .a~out the year i200. The curious little door at the foot of the tower stair 1s made of carved wood from 18th-century pews. DOORWAYS AND DOORS Plans are now being completed to restore the chancel and to remove from the chancel organ and choir. This is a major work and it is believed that when completed both the music and worship will benefit as well as restoring the chancel to its original form. RESITING THE ORGAN AND CHOIR • The end is not yet. We hope and pray that if we are not permitted to see the end of this labour of love others will come and do what we have left undone and complete that which we have started. NOTES ON SPECIAL FEATURES The fabric is a mixture of Bargate stone and rubble, ironstone, flints, Caen stone, re-used Roman tiles, clunch from the chalk pits of the North Downs, Horsham slab on part of the roof, Purbeck and Petworth marble (not true marble but limestone easily polished), English oak, and Tudor brick. MATERIALS I- ~ I ...J <( ::J tuw ...J ...J w 1- z w 1- ::J 1j::: Vl z w ~ The best known is that of Robert Scarclif, a former Rector who died in 1412and whose will is still preserved 'at Lambeth. He left many gifts to Shere, including Mass vestments, books and pictures. A second brass on the chancel floor commemorates Lord Audley, and there is one in the south aisle to John Redford, a churchwarden, of Go!11shall. Another brass in the aisle is to Oliver Sandys, •'Which Olev died the 17th day of November in the year of Our Lord 1512. On whos soul Jesu have mci (mercy)." u Shere possesses a complete ring of eight bells. The Churchwardens' Book (1500-1612)contains many entries relating to the bells. Jt appears that in 1500 there were three bells, and by 1529 two more had been added. The Commissioners' Inventory of 1552 reports five bells, and entries about the settlement of a claim by Eldridges the famous bell-founders, probably relate to a sixth bell. These were reca;t in 1712 by Richard Phelps and are so inscribed, but the tenor and six were recast in the last century. There is a fine ringing chamber reached by a winding staircase, the door of which is found on the ~outh side of the crossing. In this chamber are recorded the peals achieved by local ringers. u w MONUMENTAL BRASSES THE BELLS ,. The dates of the various windows can be seen in the plan. Four of the late 12th-century lancets remain, and in the 19th century two debased lancet windows were added in the south wall of the south aisle. The quatrefoil and squint, to be found in the north wall of the chancel near the organ, were originally apertures through which Christine, daughter of William the Carpenter, made her contacts with the church. Her cell was built on the north wall, for to become an anchoress demanded a high degree of asceticism. In nearly all cases such 14 15 THE WINDOWS 0 :::c: "If men loved Pimlico as mothers love children, arbitrarily because it is theirs, Pimlico in a year or two might be fairer than Florence. Some will say that this is mere fantasy. I answer that this is the actual history of mankind. This, as a fact, is how cities grow great. Go back to the darkest roots of civilisation and you will find men knotted round some sacred stone or encircling some sacred well. People at first paid honour to a spot and afterwards gained glory for it. MEN DID NOT LOVE ROME BECAUSE SHE WAS GREAT. SHE WAS GREAT BECAUSE THEY HAD LOVED HER." G. K. Chesterton-"Orthodoxy." Compiled and written by Rev. E. R. Hougham (Rector). April, 1961. >c:: CHRISTINEANCHORESS OF SHERE ci::: <C ~ 0 I- V) :::c: ...I <C ::::, t...I ...I w 1- z  Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource A History of the Church of St. James, Shere Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Patricia James Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context IHA/James/493