History

Nave The Nave (37' x 17 1/2') has two arcades. The north arcade was built in c.1180, and has four bays with rounded arches of two orders. The outer order is square and the inner order is square chamfered. The west-end arch and the respond-corbels are restorations. The round columns have moulded capitals and bases. The south arcade built in c.1190 has four bays, with two-centre arches of two chamfered orders. The round columns have moulded capitals and restored bases. The west-end arch and the respond-corbels are restorations. The western arch and the chancel arch were rebuilt last century. In the Nave you will find amongst other things: Chest: Made of oak, with moulded styles and rails, front with three panels carved with conventional flowers and carved frieze, moulded and panelled lid and sides and flat ball feet, early 17th century. Font: The square bowl of the font sits on a circular centre and dates from the 12th Century. The four side angle shafts and the base belong to the 18th Century. This was moved to its present position in the centre of the west end during restoration in 1895, from near the south door. Pews: Made of oak, probably in 1861, there is a notice in the vestry about them, but this is unfortunately undated. The account of the 1895 restoration in the Parish of Hartford Minute book mentions that the seating in the chancel was changed and the rest repaired and cleaned. Pulpit: In 1895 this was moved a few feet to leave the arch clear. The stair rail was erected in memory of Granville Robert Chandler and his wife Gladys, May, in 1983. "Wands of Office": Provided in 1926 by Mr Newbold to mark the churchwardens' seats. Chancel The thickness of the north and east walls of the chancel indicate that they were built in the 12th Century. The chancel measures 21 ¼' x 13 ½'. It has no ancient features except hollow chamfered splays and two 14th Century, centred rear arches to the east window, which were reset in 1861. The stained glass of this window was put in in 1867. The altar was raised in 1861. There is an inscription on the edge of the second step, unfortunately covered by carpet, which ends with MDCCCLXVIII. The floor was laid with 6” Jerro-metallic Staffordshire red and black tiles. An unusual feature is that the 1861 Norman style, Chancel Arch is carved on both sides. The Crucifer is 'In memory Ann Pryer 1853-1936' and the folding section on the oak altar rail is in memory of 'George William Knight, 1981, churchwarden for 34 years'. North & South Aisles With the exception of the east wall of the south aisle, most of the walls and windows were rebuilt during the 1861 restorations. The south doorway was reset with a modern round arch and c.1190 free shafts to the jambs, with simple moulded capitals and one with a chamfered abacus rounded at the angle. The doors are oak. The South Porch was built in 1861. The north aisle windows were presented by 'Rev. G. Cockburn Dickinson in Commemoration of the Queen's Jubilee 1887'. Tower The tower (11’ square) is built of stone rubble, with dressings of Barnack stone and other free stones. It was added to or rebuilt in the late 15th Century and in July 1552 there were five bells. The tower is divided externally into four stages by string courses and finished with an embattled parapet with crocketed pinnacles at the angles and a trefoiled ogee and crocketed arch over the middle crenel of each side, the merlons have brick filling. The two centred tower arch is of three chamfered orders, the two outer continuous and the inner resting on semi- octagonal attached shafts with moulded capitals. In the south wall is a doorway to the stair turret with chamfered jambs and four centred arch. The west doorway, now blocked, has jambs and four centred arch of two chamfered orders with a moulded label. Five of the present bells are dated 1796 and one 1799 (see appendix 2), these were re-hung in 1895. One of the bells was apparently forfeited by King's Ripton for not burying a parishioner. On the north wall is a painted wooden notice informing us that: MAY -12 - 1932 A PEAL OF BOB MINOR 5040 CHANGES IN 2 HOUR 42 MIN BEING 7.720 & CALLED DIFFERENTLY H. BENJAMIN BULL 1) BEATRICE H. HIBBARD 4) JOAN M. G. SHEPHERD 2) CHARLES PANNELL 5) ERNEST PANNELL 3) JOHN SMART 6) According to the Vestry meeting Minutes of 26th April 1939, the bells were again unsafe. The 2nd bell was cracked and the estimated cost of repair was £300. The chiming set was installed in 1949 in memory of those who died during the Second World War (see appendix 4). In 1874, clear glass was put into the large west window. It has three modern trefoiled lights in 15th Century casement moulded jambs and four centred arch with a moulded label and head stops. The second stage has in the three walls a round headed loop over which the string course is mitred. The bell chamber has in each wall a window of two pointed lights in a four centred head with a moulded label and carved stops. There is a carved wooden screen across the West End of the nave in memory of Patience Seeley who died in 1938. This was extended in 1995, to completely enclose the choir vestry as a memorial to Peter & Jean Bath. Charities On the west wall of the tower are two large wooden boards, which were cleaned and restored in 1978 by Mr. J. Dillistone. These set out clearly the details of two charities: In 1707, Bank's charity gave 40 shillings a year to the poor on St Bartholomew's Day and New Year's Day. In 1716, Thong's charity was set up to provide £4 per annum for the minister and churchwardens; £16 was to be used to apprentice a boy who must be able to write, cast accounts, and repeat the catechism; £12 was to be given to him at the end of his apprenticeship. Organ Chamber (click here) Extracts from A REPORT on THE ORGAN by NICHOLAS THISTLETHWAITE The organ was moved into the old vestry, above the boiler house, on the north side of the chancel in 1895. This involved cutting an arch into the north wall of the chancel and a window into the west end of the chamber. Apparently the heat helped solve problems with the organ. According to the minutes of the Vestry meeting of 6th August 1880, it was agreed to move the organ to the north corner of the nave 'nearer the warming apparatus with a view to the instrument being kept in better tune'. The move allowed light from the west window back into the church. Vestry The vestry was built in 1895 when the old vestry was converted into the organ chamber. On the south wall there is a brass shield inscribed with "TO THE GLORY OF GOD. THIS CHURCH WAS RESTORED BY VOLUNTARY OFFERING AD 1895. J. GEORGE GIBSON VICAR; A. J. DESBOROUGH, G. WARBURTON CHURCHWARDENS". Above the doorway from the organ chamber there is a painted wooden notice informing us that THE INCORPORATED SOCIETY FOR BUILDING & CHURCHES GRANTED £35 TOWARDS RESEATING THIS CHURCH, UPON THE CONDITION THAT 140 SEATS NUMBERED 1 TO 23 BE RESERVED FOR THE USE OF THE POORER IN-HABITANTS OF THIS PARISH. There are two small benches in the Sunday school corner, numbered 14 & 15, which an undated plan in the County Record Office show as originally being in the tower. 19th Century Restorations During these restorations, according to W. H. Saunders 1888, Legends, etc., of Huntingdonshire, upwards of 20 broken stone coffins were found whilst making preparations for new flooring. The lids of eight of these bore the Saxon symbol of the cross and anchor whilst several others had richly floriated crosses of a later date. There were also traces of rude distemper paintings, including full length figures of a queen, St. George and the Dragon and large Maltese crosses on the columns and wall, according to this same source. In Huntingdon's County Record Office there are some undated plans, which since they do not show the present organ chamber, I assume were prepared for the 1861 restoration. Rolled in these plans is a 'Specification of works required to be done in the restoration of the Chancel for the Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow'. They noted 'to take off the old roof and clear away the old pews in Chancel to be the property of Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow'. The timber for the roof was to be best Douglas yellow fir and the oak for the pews and door was to be English and five years seasoned. These were to be finished with linseed oil, mixed with a little red lead. There are several entries in the Parish Minute Book between February 1863 and January 1864 referring to the mortgaging of church land to raise the means to liquidate the debt of £160 incurred in restoration. The Vestry Minutes of April 1895 record the estimated cost of restoration at £400 and a subscription list being opened. The 24th October records the re-opening of the church by Lord Bishop of Diocese. The 1895 restoration is well documented, with a copy of the original 'Specification & Plans', a copy of the Faculty required from Ely before work could commence and a detailed account in the Vestry Minutes of 1897. Lady Olivia Bernard Sparrow She was the wife of Brigadier General Robert Bernard Sparrow in 1797 who died at sea in 1805. She inherited the estates of the Bernard family and lived at Brampton Park. According to Robson's Directory 1839 entry for Hartford she was 'Lay Rector & Impropriator of Great Tithe' and was therefore responsible for the upkeep of the chancel. Church Plate In 1932 the Rev. E. G. Alderson deposited the items not in constant use for safe keeping in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge. They can be viewed by viewed by prior arrangement. See appendix 3 for a description of the items. Memorials There are no early family monuments as largely the monks of the Priory ministered to the church and the Prior himself was lord of the manor. He and the monks he appointed as vicars would be buried in the Priory graveyard. In the church are five 18th Century wall memorials, and one slate memorial in the nave floor near the lectern. There are three 19th Century wall tablets and two floor memorials at the west end of the nave. These were only revealed again in November 1991 after the wooden floor had to be removed. One memorial window in the south wall of the chancel is in memory of the Rev. Cockburn-Dickinson's son who drowned in 1885, aged ten. Parish Registers & Minute Books Apart from the present ones, the Registers of Baptisms, Marriages, Burials and the Minute Books are kept in the guardianship of the County Records Office in Huntingdon. Appendix 5 is an edited list of their references. The Minute Books come in various shapes and sizes, as does the hand writing. This gives the reader a challenge, but can be rewarding and interesting given the time. The early books mainly seem to record such appointments as churchwardens, constables, overseers of the poor and Highways Board Way Warden. There are details of some payments for certain offices and the setting of rateable value on local properties. The later books show a more verbatim account of the important events of the church community. The Churchyard In the churchyard, near the Southeast corner of the chancel there is an interesting memorial, a triangular obelisk inscribed "MORS META VIARUM" with the date "MDCCXXXV" at the base. Translated, the inscription means "Death is the turning point of the ways". It is said to commemorate the clearing of the churchyard in 1735 in order that it might be buried over again, a common practice in days gone by (marked S on the map). On Tuesday 22nd May 1860, Thomas the Bishop of Ely consecrated an addition to the church yard of '32 perches, fenced by a brick wall'. The land was 'conveyed by Edward Barnard Hopkins and Ann Eliza Hopkins, tenant in fee and by the mortgages in fee of the manor of Hartford, with the consent of Sir Henry Pelly, tenant for life of the said manor’. Original drawing by Mike Stephenson Huntingdonshire Family HistorySociety The Vicarage According to an entry in the Vestry Minute Book for 1790 "the vicarage was built with stud, clay and thatch. Three little rooms above and below, one little barn and one stable with adjoining close - 1 acre, fenced round with dead hedge. Tithes due to Vicar, wool, lamb, calf, pig, eggs, corn and bullock - but there has been a composition of about 30 years standing consented to by the vicars successively and by the major part of the parish that vicars should be allowed in lieu of these tithes, twenty shillings of plow and four shillings of cottage per annum." The 1822 Glebe Terrier describes the vicarage as "belonging to the King, with the glebe and profit of the vicarage worth 134 per year (sic). It comprised a dwelling house 42ft long and 20ft breadth and a thatched connected barn and stable 45ft by 13ft. A ring fence enclosed a 3 acre orchard, garden and close, adjoining the church yard of 1 rood. There was an enclosed allotment of 57 acres in lieu of tithes. The land left for the repair of the church, is situated in the parish and commands a rent of £17 10s per year. The rectory belongs to Lady Sparrow." A new vicarage was built whilst John Daniel Hopkins was the vicar around 1845 and an ex-tension, including a new porch with the date on key stone added in 1860. What might have been desirable in the 19th century seems to have become a liability during the 20th Century. In 1912 Hartford Lodge, Sapley Lane was being used by the Rev. A. Crosfield because it was a more manageable size than the vicarage on Hartford Road. This didn't last long because the Hunts County News informs us of the auction of Hartford Lodge. In 1934 a letter to Ely Diocesan Dilapidation's Board from Architect Inskip Ladds stated that the house with 4 sitting rooms, 7 bedrooms and 2 kitchens, was far too large and had too many out buildings. Amongst several proposals he recommended pulling down part of the domestic quarters and altering the remainder. It was proposed that the stable was converted into a garage, the hay store into a wood shed; the coach house and several buildings should be pulled down. The garden was "much too large and in these days of high wages an insupportable burden". Suggestions were made for selling various parts, stressing the importance of the provision of fencing. By 1936 the building was reduced and refurbished with the installation of mains water and electricity in readiness for the arrival of the Rev. J.G.F. Holmes. The PCC minutes of June 13th 1949, records that Vicar Canon Green's son bought a house in Huntingdon, apparently near Edward house and the Bishop gave approval to let the vicarage. There was also a proposal that the old vicarage was sold and a smaller one built on glebe land. There were a number of tenants during the early 1950's after the vicarage had been sub-divided and let. Canon Green retired in 1955 and the PCC Minutes of October 10th 1956 record the "Proposed sale of existing parsonage, purchase of 'Lindisfarne' on junction of Wyton/Warboys road". This did not happen and according to the PCC Minutes of October 13th 1958, the Rev H Hinkley had a telephone installed in the vicarage. Rev. Herbert Hinkley 1960 at gates of vicarage Little is known about most of the vicars listed above, presumably they preached their sermons, tended their flock and lived their lives. Documentary evidence of several survives. Rev G. Cockburn-Dickinson The 'Local News' column of The Hunts Guardian Friday May 8 1885 recorded the following MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE- "On Saturday last an inquest was held at the King of Prussia public house in this village on the body of Francis Trevelyan Egerton Dickerson aged 10, son of the Rev. G. C. Dickerson, vicar of Hartford, who was taken out of the water dead that morning. It appeared from the evidence of Elizabeth Hitch, one of the domestic servants in the family, that on Friday the deceased, his younger brother and the vicar were working in the garden before early dinner, and as was supposed they all went into the house about 1.00 (sic) to dine. The deceased disappeared from the house and the vicar and the other son sat down to dinner, but as deceased did not go to dinner also a search was made for him about the house and garden. Witness ultimately went to the riverside and there she found the jacket that had been worn by the deceased, but could not find him anywhere. A search in the river was then made for the body until late in the evening, but without success. His cap was found in a chair in the kitchen. The dog was kept near the boathouse and deceased used sometimes go and fetch the dog, but it was not there when he went to the boathouse. Did not think deceased knew the dog was brought from the boathouse. George Crow, labourer, Hartford, deposed to finding the body on Saturday morning about four yards from the bank. The water was about 20 feet deep where he pulled it out. The jury returned a verdict of "accidentally drowned in the river Ouse". His surviving children seem to have caused him some embarrassment, according to 'the Looker-On' in the local paper of 19th March 1892, shown opposite. The consequence of these events resulted in the item below being reported in the following Saturday's paper. For those interested, the complete transcript of the "Petty Sessions" can be read on a microfilm in the reference section of Huntingdon library. From The Hunts County Guardian, Saturday 19th March 1892 Courtesy of Huntingdon Library From The Hunts County Guardian, Saturday 26th March 1892 Courtesy of Huntingdon Library Rev E. Gripper Banks These newspaper cuttings can be found in a file left by Sidney Inskip Ladds who was an architect and local historian and has already been mentioned in connection with the vicarage. We still frequently use a chalice in our services that is engraved in his memory . Rev A. C. Crosfield The 1st Hunts (Hartford) Scout Group is the fourth oldest Group in the world. It was founded in February 1908 by the Rev A.C. Crosfield and Mr. R.C. Coleridge, the first Scout Master. The original six scouts were Grenville Onyett (the first Patrol Leader of the Peewit Patrol), Harry Miles, W Wright, H Wright, P Woods and R Watts. They are pictured in a copy of this 1909 lanternslide with the Rev. Crosfield and Mr. Coleridge. Rev. Crosfield became County Secretary and Commandant for the Boy Scouts. According to a 1912 biography, he had been born in Liverpool in 1867, gained his M.A. at Clare College, Cambridge in 1895, and became vicar of Hartford in 1904. He was also connected with the Church Lads Brigade. He left Hartford in 1913 and moved to South Africa. His death was recorded by the Hunts Post on 1st November 1934. Village Hall A wooden prefabricated Hall, purchased in London was built by public subscription some time after the arrival of Rev. Dr. Banks (1896 - 1903), opposite the vicarage gates. The first mention of the Parish Hall as a venue for vestry or Church meetings was in the Minute Book of May 1899. It was let regularly for meetings of the Women's Institute, Whist Drives, Dances and meetings of all kinds. The 1st Hunts (Hartford) Scout Troop, met at Parish Hall from February 1908 until 1939. It was requisitioned by the military during both World Wars and during the 2nd one, the furniture and equipment was stored in the loft of the Manor House. In 1938 the Vicar J. G. F. Holmes expressed a wish to hand over responsibility for the Parish Hall to the PCC. A problem of whether it was built on Glebe or Parish land and the fact that it was not used mainly for ecclesiastical purposes caused protracted negotiations. A Deed was finally signed in 1948 with the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance, holding the hall in trust for the PCC. It was to be managed by a PCC sub- committee and 'Chapel people welcome to use it at the fixed hourly rate'. Lettings continued to be good but maintenance and funding were a continual headache. A Fire Officer's report of 1961 stated that to obtain a theatrical licence the hall needed a fire door and more extinguishers. In 1966 the committee started to investigate ways of funding £5000 to add a better kitchen and cloakroom facilities. This was finally resolved in 1971 with Ely agreeing to a 28-year, £1 per year lease and the formation of a Hall Trust. This allowed for a Community Council grant to fund the required improvements. At the end of that lease and again after protracted negotiations with Ely and the Freemen's Charity we will have a new Village Hall for the start of the next millenium. HARTFORD VILLAGE In the Domesday Survey (1086), Hartford is given under the lands of the king and had been committed to the charge of Ranulf brother of Ilger, a minister of the crown. He had 4 ploughs and the 30 villagers and 3 smallholders had 8 ploughs. North of Sapley Park Farm are the remains of the earthworks of a small 'mound & bailey' castle of unknown origin, which appears to be of a 12th Century date and was probably an 'adulterin' or unlicensed castle. It consists of a mound about 9 ft. high, surrounded by a wet ditch of oval form and with remains of a small outer enclosure on the south. Much of Huntingdonshire land was owned by the church in 1086, being held by the Abbeys of Thorney, Ramsey and Peterborough; the Bishop of Lincoln; the Priorys at St Neots & St Ives; the Cistercian Abbey at Sawtry and the Austin Canons at Stonely. There were six religious foundations in Huntingdon, the most important and earliest being the Priory of St Mary. This was a house of Augustine Canons established before the Norman Conquest near the pre-sent day All Saints and relocated near to the cemetery in Priory Road in the 12th century. The village later known as Herford and Harford was granted to St. Mary's Priory, Huntingdon, by Henry I (1100 - 1135) at a fee farm rent of £12 by the year. This grant was confirmed by Pope Eugenius III in 1147 and again in 1253 and 1327. In 1276, the Prior of Huntingdon claimed view of frankpledge in his manor of Hartford and presentments were made as to obstructions in the river Ouse partially caused by the prior's valuable mills, whereby ships could not reach Huntingdon. The manor continued to belong to the Priory of St. Mary until the dissolution, 11th July 1538 when the prior and eight remaining canons were pensioned off. Much of the village was originally along the banks of the river as that was the main form of transport. Goods were brought in and taken to other villages and towns up and down the Ouse. There was a road beside the river, traces of which can be seen in the garden of Hartford House. A road, known as Dixon's or Dixey's Lane, also ran from the Manor House to the river. The Grove was first known as Pig Hollow. In 1275, a water wheel was constructed near where Anchor Cottage now stands. The latter was not built until Tudor times, when as with other dwellings built at that time, it was thatched. It is thought that it was a public house from the time it was built until the end of the 19th century, and was a regular calling place for barges plying their trade when sailing between Kings Lynn and Bedford. In one of its barns was a ring where Dick Turpin is said to have tied his horse. St. Giles Hospital was built in Hartford Meadows during the 13th Century. Little is known about it, and it fell into decay about a century after its foundation. In the 17th Century, Hartford Manor lands were split up and sold to various people. Sir Henry Williams, alias Cromwell, had been granted the lands when the Priory, which had owned them for four centuries, was dissolved. Sir Henry's children sold them to Robert Taylor, and it was on his death that the Manor lands were divided in 1608. The new farms thus formed would have new houses for owners and workers. These would most likely be built in the village, but further away from the river. There were fewer than 50 houses in the village in 1771. The King of the Belgians (formerly King of the Prussians) is still situated in the Main Street. In 1804, the Barley Mow was built from masonry from St. Benet's Church, Huntingdon, which was destroyed that year. For many years, biennial courts were held in the Barley Mow. The Manor House, a half-timbered house, was built probably by Robert Taylor, the original Lords of the Manor, the Priors, having no need of a dwelling in Hartford. The only other large house in the village is Hartford House Grove House), an elegant, red brick, 17th Century grounds go down to the river. Since the Second World War, as can be seen by this table Hartford has grown considerably and has become closely linked with Huntingdon. The Future As can be seen from the details in this pamphlet the played a very important part in the life of Hartford 820 years and is still doing so today. We look forward to the next millennium with the same enthusiasm and faith as our predecessors must have done in 1180. The church building has continually been extended during this period as the needs of the congregation were met. The growth in the number of Hartford's inhabitants and the desire for more convenient basic facilities, on site, will continue this process, into the new millennium. Acknowledgements I would like to thank the staff of Huntingdon library, for pointing me in the right direction. My wife requires a big thank you for her help with the research and patience with my hours spent at the computer. Thank you to the churchwardens for access to the current church documents and to the staff of the Huntingdon County Records Office for earlier documents, the staff of the Norris Museum, St Ives and Mr & Mrs Maltby for Scout history. I am indebted to Mrs. Lilian Ann Coley, Mr. David Cozens and the late Phillip G. M. Dickinson, for the re-search that they have done in the past. Bibliography Primary Sources 1. Act of Consecration, Addition to Church Yard 22-5-1860. CRO 2. 15 GEO.VI cap.145 - Burial, England Discontinuance. The Burial Grounds (Hartford) Order 1951. 3. Files of late Mrs. Betty Magee, PCC Secretary 1950 - 1973. CRO 4. Files of Sidney Inskip Ladds, ARIBA, 1867 - 1950. Norris Museum 5. Parish Minute Book 1861; plus 7 subsequent ones (missing 1966-75) CRO 6. Mike Stephenson: Huntingdonshire Family History Society 1998 7. The Hunts County Guardian (Friday May 8 1885) 'Local News' column 8. The Hunts County Guardian (Saturday May 19 1885) 'The Looker-On' column. 9. The Hunts County Guardian (Saturday May 26 1885) 'Petty Sessions' column. Secondary Sources 1. Cocke, T. Recording A Church: an illustrated glossary, Council for British Archaeology, 1989 2. Coley, L., & Cozens, D., research, The Parish Church All Saints' Hartford, PCC, 1980 3. Curl, J. S. English Architecture An Illustrated Glossary, David & Charles, Devon, 1977 2. Dunn, Christopher, The Book Of Huntingdon, Barracuda Books, Chesham, 1977 3. Dickinson, Phillip G. M., The Borough of Huntingdon & Godmanchester Official Hand book, Hambleden Press, Huntingdon, 1964 4. Dickinson, P.G.M., 'The Hartford (Huntingdon) Treasure Trove' Records of Huntingdonshire: Vol. 1 Part 1 pages 2-4: (Huntingdonshire Local History Society 1965) 5. Miles, Harry, Scouting For 58 Years With The 1st Hunts. Troop, The Scout Association Archives,1972 6. Morris, John, ed., Domesday Book Huntingdonshire, Phillimore, Chichester, 1975 7. Owen, T.M.N. Rev. MA. The Bells Of Huntingdonshire, Jarrold & Son, 1899. 8. Page, William, ed., The Victoria History of the Counties of England, A History of Huntingdonshire Vol.2, p.171 -175, Uni. of Lon. Institutes of Historic Research. 1974 9. Pike, W.T. ed., Huntingdonshire Contemporary Biographies, Pike, Brighton, 1912 10. Robsons Directory 1839 11. Royal Commission of Historical Monuments, An Inventory of the Historical Monuments of Huntingdonshire, p. 128-130 HMSO, London, 1926 12. Temple, Nigel, Dr. 'Pages From An Architect's Notebook - Lady Olivia Sparrow & John Nash' Records of Huntingdonshire: Vol. 2 No. 6 (Hunts Local History Soc. 1986) 13. Wicks, Michael, A History of Huntingdonshire, Oxford U.P. 1985 14. Wooder, A., 'Post Reformation Mixed Gothic in Huntingdonshire Church Towers and its Campanological Associations', The Archaeological Journal vol. 141, Reprinted from The Royal Archaeological Institute, 1984 APPENDIX 1 Architectural Glossary Abacus: flat slab forming the top of a capital Arcade: series of arches supported by columns Arch: construction of blocks disposed in a curve or curves, supporting each other and the weight of the wall above it. Arris: a sharp edge where two surfaces meet. Capital: upper part of a column. Casement: deep concave moulding of window jambs. Chamfer: narrow 450 plane formed when the an-is is removed. Also stopped, hollow & sunk versions. Corbel: a projecting block that supports a parapet or beam. Crocket: projecting hook-shaped, leafy knobs, usually along the sloping edges of pinnacles. Embattled: indented with vertically projecting merlons, separated by spaces called embrasures or crenelles. Foil: a small arc in the tracery of medieval windows or panels. Jamb: side of doorway or window. Label: a square drip or hood mould over an arch, doorway or window. Loop: a small narrow slit in a wall. Mullion: slender vertical member between the lights in a window or screen opening. Ogee: a double curve formed of a convex and a concave element. Order: in medieval architecture, one of a series of recessed arches and jambs forming a splayed opening. Parapet: a low wall concealing a gutter or roof. Pier: large masonry support, usually for an arch. Pillar: free-standing upright member of any section that is slender in proportion to its height. Pinnacle: a small decorative turret or spire. Respond: a half-pier attached to a wall to support an arch at the end of an arcade. Reveal: the side of an opening in a wall between the framework and the face of wall. Shaft: part of column between base and capital; small columns clustered around pillars or jambs. Splay: an angled reveal. String-course: a horizontal, usually moulded band projecting slightly from a wall. References: Cocke, T. Recording A Church: an illustrated glossary, Council for British Archaeology, 1989; Curl, J. S. English Architecture An Illustrated Glossary, David & Charles, Newton Abbott, 1977 APPENDIX 2 Bell Inscriptions 1. ROBT. TAYLOR ST. NEOTS FECIT . 1799 Y (27 ins) 2. ROBT. TAYLOR ST. NEOTS FECIT . 1796 LEONARD WALLER & CHARLES BEAUMONT, OVER-SEERS (28 and a quarter ins) 3. ROBT. TAYLOR FECIT . 1796. JOSEPH BUTT AND JOHN RIPPIN, CHURCHWARDENS (29 and a half ins) 4. WHILST THUS WE JOIN IN CHEERFUL SOUND LET LOVE AND LOYALTY ABOUND A A (Coins) TAYLOR FECIT 1796 (33 ins) 5. THE C. WARDENS. THE OVER-SEERS. CAUTHORN BLEAK AND JOHN RANDAL, THE PRINCIPAL PARITIONERS WHEN WE WAS CAST 1796 (33 and a half ins) 6. I TO THE CHURCH THE LIVING CALL AND TO THE GRAVE DO SUMMON ALL TAYLOR FECIT. 1796. JOSEPH BUTT & JOHN RIPPIN CHURCHWARDENS (36 and a half ins) Reference: A History of Huntingdonshire Vol.2; The Bells Of Huntingdonshire APPENDIX 3 Church Plate 1. Silver communion cup inscribed 'Hartford in Com Huntingdon' and hall-marked for 1689¬90. (Queen Anne) 2. Silver paten on foot, inscribed 'The gift of John Waller, gent: for the use of the Church of Hartford in the County of Huntingdon 1748,' but it bears the hall-mark for 1749-50. IHS Cross & Nails in a Glory made by John Rowe. (Geo. II) 3. Pewter Plate inscribed 'Hartford com Huntingdon 1749' 4. Silver-gilt chalice inscribed 'All Saints Church Hartford Xmas 1906. In memoriam E.G.B. Priest. Sep. 23, 1903' Hallmarked 1903-4. 5. Paten, inscribed as above, but hallmarked for 1904-5. 6. Silver-gilt cruet 1907: lid is surmounted by a cross with a ring of trefoils below. Body is divided into compartments and has a band of engraving around the top. Under the foot is a very long inscription recording the gift of the piece to the church in 1912 in memory of Reginald Charles Coleridge. (In box) 7. Silver-plated flagon, no marks, Victorian, lid surmounted by a four-armed cross, round the neck is a band of engraving and around the middle of the body is the inscription '+ pascha nostrum immoltus est christos' (I surmise that this item is inscribed in memory of Reginald Charles Coleridge, drowned in the Titanic, 15 April 1912; and hall-marked for 1912-13.) (In box) 8. Silver-gilt wafer box inscribed 'Thomas Rawsthorne Magee 1884 - 1970' 9. Silver-gilt chalice inscribed 'In loving Memory Maisie & Nancy Fisher Easter 1996' 10. Silver-gilt bowl paten, no marks. Reference: 1. Present 'Glebe Terrier'; 2. Fitzwilliam Museum receipt; 3. A History of Huntingdonshire Vol.2 20 APPENDIX 4 Memorials Chancel: 1. Jacob Julien Baumgartner, d. 1816; Tryce Mary, his wife, d. 1815; Robert Jacob, their son, d. 1810; and Tryce Mary Susanna, their daughter, d. 1835; John Thomas Baumgartner, of Godmanchester, d. 1874; and Phillipa, his wife, d. 1882. 2. The Hon. Ursula [Cockburn Dickinson], daughter of Lord Londesborough, d. 1880 3. Window to Francis Trevelyan Egerton Cockburn-Dickinson, d. 1885. 4. Reginald Charles Coleridge, d. 1912. 5. Window renovated in memory of Leonard & Phyllis Everett 1983 Nave: 1. John Sugar Thompson, d. 1846, and Susanna, his wife, d. 1842. 2. War Memorial, 1914-1918: Sec Lieutenant John Arthur Marshall, Sergt Herbert John Freeman, Sergt Edward Frank Todd, Corpl Joseph Edwin Livett, M.M., Corpl George Robinson Wells, Pte Albert Edward Rann, Pte Joseph Belsham, Pte Charles Amos Baxter, Pte Albert William Linford, Pte George Childs, Pte Albert Walter Hall. 1. War Memorial, 1939-45 The chiming set was installed in 1949 to the glory of God & dedicated to the memory of Alfred George Ernist Jones; George William Arthur Mitchell and William Ernest Warren who lost their lives in the war. Floor slabs: 1. Robert Waller, d. 1730. 2. Daniel John Hopkins MA Formerly curate and after vicar of the parish for 28 years 16-6-1857 in his 79th year: 3. Mary wife of Daniel Hopkins whose short but virtuous life was suddenly closed after giving birth to an infant son on the evening of 1st Jan 1822 in the 27th year of her age. Also of second wife Esther Barnard Hopkins whose zealous life was terminated by consumption on the morning of the 23rd day of September 1827 in the 42nd year of her age. North aisle: 1. Mary wife of John Waller, d. 1745, age 27. 2. Emily Lizette Gladwin, d. 1860, & a floor slab to E. L. G. by north door. 3. Leslie Charles Papworth devoted to the service of British legion 1888 - 1950 4. Robert Hibberd 1904 to Jan. 1983, chorister for 60 years & sexton for 45 years. South aisle: 1. John Trotter, citizen & grocer of London d. 1746 and Elizabeth (Snagg), his wife, d, 1742. 2. Leonard Waller, d. 1794, and Mary, his wife, d. 1764. 3. Charles Desborough 19th March 1929, Constance his wife 31st July 1929 Tower: 1. The Rev. Vyner Snell, B.A., Rector of Doddington, Cambs, d. 1751; Mary, his daughter, d. 1735; Margaret (Hall), his wife, d 1794; and her sister, Mary Hall. 21 APPENDIX 5 HUNTINGDON COUNTY RECORD OFFICE HARTFORD PARISH RECORDS (Ref: ACC. 2535/-) Registers: General 1538 - 1766 2535/1 (marriage entries cease in 1753) (M & B 1539 a) Baptisms & Burials 1766 - 1812 2535/2 Baptisms 1813 - 1893 2535/3 Burials 1813 - 1938 2535/4 Marriages (with Banns, 1754 -1793) 1754 -1812 2535/5 Marriages 1813 - 1835 2535/6 1837 - 1958 2535/7 Banns 1824 - 1906 2535/8 (on the inside of the back cover are a few baptisms for 1893 - 94) General: Vestry Minute Book 1781 - 1867 2535/9 Overseers of the Poor: Account Book 1828 - 1839 2535/10 Printed copy of the Act for dividing, Allotting and Inclosing the 1771 2535/11 Open and Commable Fields, meadows, Pastures, Lands and Waste Grounds of the Manor, Parish and Liberties of Hartford Hartford Inclosure Award. 15 May, 1772 2535/12 Manor of Hartford: Copy of Court Roll. 5 Feb. 1813 2535/13 Manor of Hartford: Compensation Agreement conveyance. 23 July 1937 2535/14 Manor of Hartford: Attested copy of Conveyance & Enfranchisement 12 Nov 1859 2535/15 A large number of documents from the iron chest in the church, were deposited with the County record office in the 1980's. These had not been examined at the time of the research for this booklet. APPENDIX 6 Inscriptions of some churchyard memorials A Sacred/ to the memory of/ JOHN PEACOCK/ (son of Rev. W PEACOCK/ and ANN his wife)/ who died Feb 15th 1840/in the 45th year of his age/ Absent from the body present with the Lord/ 2 Cor 3 37 verse/ (Headstone) [PR-John PEACOCK otp bur 2 Feb 1840 aged 45] B [ ]elict of the late/[ ]LIAM PEACOCK/ [ ]d this life 11 June 1835/[ ]16 year of her age/ [ ] faith and hope of a joyful/ [ ]rection through Jesus Christ/ [ ] voice from heaven saying unto me/ [ ] blessed are the dead which die in the/ [ ] from henceforth yea saith the spirit/ (bottom line indistinct)/ (Broken headstone) [PR - Ann PEACOCK otp bur 17 June 1835 aged 85] 22 C In memory of/ the Rev WILLIAM PEACOCK/ Rector of Woolley/ in the County of Hun tingdon/ who departed this life/ January the 10th 1817/ in the 68th year of his age/ (Headstone) [PR - William PEACOCK otp bur 15 Jan 1817 aged 67] D To/the memory of/ GEORGE PEACOCK/ who died the 24 of August 1803/in his 15th year/ (Headstone) [PR - George PEACOCK son of Rev William & Ann bur 26 Aug 1803] E Sacred/ to the memory of/ ANNE AYLMER/ daughter of ROB AYLMER Gent/ who departed this life/ on the 28th day of April 1824/ the day on which she completed/ the 61 year of her age/ This stone is erected by her/ sincere friend CATHERINE STEPHENSON/ (Headstone) [PR-Ann AYLMER otp bur 3 May 1824 aged 60] F In/ memory of/ GEORGE YEW/ who died/ August 23rd 1821/ aged 65 years/ In/ memory of/ MARY wife of/ GEORGE YEWS/ who died/ January 14th 1823 aged 71 years/ (Headstone) [P R - George YEWS of Hartford bur 26 Aug 1821 Aged 65. Mary YEWS of Hemingford Grey bur 18 Jan 1823 aged 72] G Sacred/ to the memory of/ JAMES HATFIELD/ who departed this life/ July 28th 1831/ in the 55th year of his age/ Also of/ ANNE his wife/ who died Nov 8th 1863/ aged 78 years/ To the memory of/ ROBERT MARTIN/ HATFIELD son of/ JAMES and ANNE HAT FIELD who died April 10 1837/ aged 17 years/ To the memory of/ MARY RUSSELL/ HATFIELD dau of/ JAS & ANNE HATFIELD/ who died May 1 1839/ aged 17 years/ ANN HULL/ HATFIELD/ died Decr 28th 1883/in her 69th year/ To the memory of/ JAMES the infant son/ of JAMES and/ ANNE HATFIELD/ who died April 8th 1818/ aged 5 months/ (Square column with pyramidal cap) [P R - James HATFIELD bur 28 Jul 1831 aged 55. Ann HATFIELD of Barringham Hall, Thetford District, Norfolk & Suffolk bur 13 Nov 1863 aged 78. Robert Martin HATFIELD of Brampton bur 17 Apr 1837 aged 17. Mary Russell HAT- FIELD of Brampton bur 6 May 1839 aged 17. Ann Hull HATFIELD of Neworth bur 7 Jan 1884 aged 69. James HATFIELD of Hartford bur 12 Apr 1818 aged 5 months] H Sacred to the memory of/ the Revd HENRY SWEETING MA. died 29 June 1856 aged 39/ (Coped stone with cross-shaped cover) Ia Sacred/ to the memory of/ BENEDICTA DELAMORE/ who died March/the 8 1782 aged 77/ Sacred/ to the memory of/ EVA WADE SON relict/ of ROB WADESON/ who died November/ the 12 1781 aged 56/ Sacred/ to the memory of/ MARY WADE SON/ [ ? ] daughter of/ ROBERT and/ ANN WADE SON/ who died May/ the 24 1830/ aged 77/ Sacred/ to the memory of/ the Revd EDW WADESON/ eldest son of ROBERT/ and EVA WADESON/ who died September/ the 2nd 1818/ aged 67/ (Hexagonal column with pyramidal cap standing on No. lb) [P R - Benedicta DELAMORE spin bur 13 Mar 1782. Eva WADESON bur 18 Nov 1781. Mary WADESON of Huntingdon bur 31 May 1830 aged 77. Rev Edward WADESON of Huntingdon bur 7 Sep 1818 aged 67] lb EVA WADESON/ Ob. 12 No[ ]81 Et 56/ Be [ ]more/ (Rectangular stone face up beneath No. Ia) [P R - See No. Ia] J Sacred/ to the memory of/ HENRY STAMFORD/ who died October 22nd 1858 aged 66 years/ 23 (Headstone) [P R - Henry STAMFORD of Hartford bur 25 Oct 1858 aged 66] K To the memory of/ SUSANNA the wife/ of EDWARD ABRAHAM/ who died the 13/ of March 1807/ aged 36[?] years/ (Headstone) [P R - Susannah ABRAHAM wife of Edward bur 18 Mar 1807] L LEONARD BUTT/ who died Oct 2 1787/ aged 73/ Sacred to the memory of/ JOSEPH BUTT/ who departed this life/ November the 3 1804/ aged 63 years/ [ ]/MARY BUTT his wife who departed this life/ January the 11 181 1 aged 77 years/ Near this place/lies JOHN THOMPSON/ infant son of JOHN & MARY ANN/ BUTT/ who departed this life/ December the 9 1822, / aged/ five days/ (Square column with cap on square base) [P R - Leonard BUTT bur 7 Oct 1787. Joseph BUTT bur 9 Nov 1804. Mary BUTT wife of Joseph, farmer bur 15 Jan 1811. John Thompson BUTT of Hartford bur 1 1 Dec 1822 aged 5 days] M In memory of/ SAMUEL HALL/ who departed this life/ Jany 23/1818 aged 58 years/ (Headstone) [P R - Samuel HALL otp bur 30 Jan 1818 aged 58] N In memory of/ HAM[?]ETT HALL/ who departed this life/ Jan 23, / 1815 aged 23 years/ (Headstone) [P R - Harriet? HALL otp bur 26 Jan 1815 aged 22] O In affectionate/ remembrance of/ ROBERT BURRELL/ who died 30th Sept 1863/ aged 46 years/ God hath not appointed us to wrath but/ to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ/ who died for us that whether we wake/ or sleep we should live together with Him/ Also of/ JANE BOWYER CRANFIELD/ wife of the above/ who died 17th March 1919/ aged 98 years/ At evening time it shall be light/ (Horizontal stone on low plinth. Indications that it was once within railings) [P R - Robert BURRELL of Hartford bur 6 Oct 1863 aged 46. Jane Bowyer CRANFIELD of Brampton bur 2 1 Mar 1919 aged 98] Pa In/loving memory/ of/ DANIEL CLARKE/ who died Augst 23rd 1818/ aged 70 years/ "Death is swallowed up in victory" 1 Cor XV 54/ "Where is death's sting?/ where grave thy victory?"/ Also of MARY ANN/ wife of the above/ who died at Barnsley Feb 10 1904/in her 84th year/ Her children arise up and call her/ blessed/ Also of CATHERINE TURNELL/ 3rd daughter of the above/ died May 25th 1910 aged 59 years/ Interred at Worsboro Dale/ (Headstone) [P R - Daniel CLARKE bur 26 Aug 1888 aged 70. Mary Ann CLARKE of Barnsley bur 13 Feb 1904 aged 83] Pb D.C/1888 (footstone) Reference: Mike Stephenson 1998 Original document: Huntingdonshire Family History Soci-ety R Table Tomb, south of chancel, close to river wall, Henry Thomas Ban-att, Soliciter died 1841, one of the best and longest epitaphs in the country, it commences 'Unknown to fame, nor wishing to be known, yet sleeps beneath this monumental stone, no common man, and ne'er was record set o'er one more worth an honest hearts regret. 24 Reference: P. C. M. Dickenson 1944 HISTORICAL SUMMARY 1086 First record in the Domesday Book of a wooden church at Hartford 1180 Present Church built under the Patronage of the Prior of Huntingdon. 1247 First record of Clergy.(List available up to the present day) 1349 John de Infirmaria de Herford, as well as being Vicar was the Principal of the Infirmary of St. Giles which stood in the Hartford Meadows, but closed in this year, because of the reduction in the population owing to the Black Death. 1514 Parishioners took action against their Patron, the Prior of Huntingdon, over Navigation Rights of the river, but were defeated. 1552 There were five bells in the late 15th century tower 1540 Due to the dissolution of the Monasteries, the Patronage of the Church became vacant. 1544 Sir Henry Williams, alias Cromwell, bought the land and acquired the Patronage of the Church. 1565 The parishioners took action against Sir Henry Williams due to his neglect of the maintenance of the Church. 1585 Sir Henry Williams was brought to trial and found guilty of not carrying out his duties to maintain the church. 1590 The Patronage of our church became the responsibility of the Crown. 1845 Old vicarage built. 1860 Vicarage extension 1861 Extensive restoration of the church took place. 1895 Restoration: roof re-tiled; organ, font and pulpit moved; bells re-hung; new lamps. 1898 Parish Hall built opposite vicarage gates. 1936 Vicarage refurbishment. 1948 Faculty to allow installation of electricity in the church. 1949 Chiming apparatus installed for bells. 1983 Present vicarage built. 2003 Reception facilities added to the church. My primary source for information has been “All Saints Church Hartford – A brief guide and history” which was researched and compiled by Mrs L Coley & Mr D. Cozens in 1980. This was updated in 1999 by Mr J.S. Craven. Thanks are also due to Mike Stephenson of the Huntingdonshire Family History Society for providing and granting permission to use copyright resources of the Huntingdonshire Family History Society for this website. If you are interested in finding out more there are a number of resources both online and using more traditional resources. Those that I have identified are: The Huntingdonshire Family History Society. The Hunts FHS has published the Hartford Parish Registers from 1538 - 1890 and the Monumental inscriptions for the years 1707 - 1999. These can be obtained from their bookstall at Huntingdon Library http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/archives/local_history/hunts/ Cambridgeshire Library online archives at http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/leisure/archives/catalogue/ The British History society especially at: http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=42476 The Norris Museum, St Ives The Cromwell Museum, Huntingdon

Introduction The Parish Church of All Saints' Hartford was originally built in 1180 on the site of a Roman watch tower in a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Ouse. The walls are of pebble and stone rubble with stone dressings and tiled roofs. Much rebuilding has been done especially in 1861 and 1895. Christian worship in the village can be traced back even earlier to 1086 when the Domesday Book records a simple wooden church, which was probably situated in the old vicarage garden. A further extension was completed in 2003 to add reception and heating facilities to the church. The Architecture Most of the architectural descriptions in this booklet are based on those found in the Royal Commission of Historical Monuments, An Inventory of the Historical Monuments of Huntingdonshire. See appendix 1 for a glossary of some of the architectural items.

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