A Report on St Wilfrid's Church, Kelham

A Report on

St Wilfrid’s Church, Kelham

Judith Mills including a summary of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire

Medieval Graffiti Survey

Acknowledgments This report combines research carried out for events held in St Wilfrid’s Church, research by other projects and research done specifically for the Kelham Revealed! Project. In particular I’d like to thank The Southwell and Nottingham Church History project, especially Dr Chris Brooke and Geoff Buxton for permission to use their photographs and information provided on the website. The Duke of Rutland for access to his private archive and Peter Foden, the archivist there whose help and knowledge were invaluable. The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Medieval Graffiti Project, in particular Andy Hoe for providing their report. Philip Staniforth and Martin Cooper for use of their photographs. Dr Judith Mills Project Volunteer

Report on St Wilfrid’s Church, Kelham

Summary

The records for Kelham Church are patchy, with considerable gaps, nevertheless it is possible to build a picture of building, remodelling and refurbishment, as well as changing beliefs and responsibilities. These are outlined in detail in the following report. Notable points are:

Building: 12th Century The Church was built, probably by one or more prominent landowners which gave them the right, called the Advowson, to appoint the priest. 14th Century North and South arcades built, suggesting the Church was widened and side aisles added. Recent work in Church has revealed two sculpture niches and aumbry at the east end of the South Aisle and opened up the ‘squint’ to the high altar. 15th Century Tower added, windows and other parts of Church modified. 18th Century Lexington Chapel added as a memorial to 2nd Lord Lexington and family 19th Century Extensive remodelling including the removal of box pews

People 16th Century Evidence that members of the Sutton family were influential in the village Early 17th century Evidence of adherence to Roman Catholic practices through regular accusations of recusancy, especially by the Sutton family and possibly the priest who was absent from the parish and did not fulfil his duties. Artefacts Font 13th century, egg cup shape Cross slabs 13th century grave slabs reused as window lintels in tower Screens 14th century North door 15th century. Holes drilled through it in 17th for musket barrels. Box pews Parish seating allocated late 16th century, probably into box pews that were removed in 1874. Bells three bells date to late 16th—early 17th century and two are historically important. Chalice, Paton etc. late 17th inventory records church silver; one chalice remains but is not kept in Church.

St Wilfrid’s Church, Kelham

Note: numbers in square brackets refer to the sources of information which are listed at the end of this document.

The building Documents dating to the middle of the 12th century show that a church was well established by the middle of the century. [1, 2] The building as it now stands has elements dating to the 14th, 15th, 16th, 18th and 19th centuries. [2] It comprises a west tower, nave, north and south aisles, north and south porches and chancel. On the

th north side of the chancel are the remains of a late 14 century chapel which was demolished at an unknown date. On the south side of the chancel is the Lexington Chapel, built in 1730 for the tomb of the 2nd Lord Lexington and his family. [2]

It is Grade 1 listed and the listing includes these datable elements:

13th century Font · Eggcup font on later base (19th century cover) 13th century Font Eggcup font on later base (19th century cover)

14th century North and South · 3 bays. Chamfered cruciform piers with moulded arcades (pillars) octagonal bases and capitals. 14th century North and 3 bays. Chamfered cruciform piers with moulded Late 14th century ChancelSouth arcades ·octagonal Arch bases and capitals. (pillars) · Piscina

15th century Tower · Tower arch · Fourth (top) stage: four double lancet bell openings Late 14th Chancel Arch · Plank door with four centred arched head century Piscina

North aisle · two single and two triple lancet windows · low pitched principal rafter roof 15th century Tower Tower arch

South aisle Fourth· one (top) single stage: and fourtwo tripledouble lancet lancet windows bell openings

North porch Plank· Original door with door four with centred lancet archedpanels head · plinth, sill band eaves and parapet

Chancel · Panelled timber screen North aisle two single and two triple lancet windows · Windows: low· pitchedEast end; principal late 15th rafter century roof lancet window with four ‘lights’ with chambered mullions and double

coved reveal with Tudor arched head. South aisle one· Twosingle triple and twolancet triple windows lancet to windows north and south of chancel

· Doorway with 19th century hood to north North porch Original· Parclose door screenwith lancet in entrance panels to Lexington Chapel – restored and probably placed there in 1874 plinth, sill band eaves and parapet when church was renovated.

th 15 century Chancel Panelled timber4 screen cont. Windows:

East end; late 15th century lancet window with four

16th century Tower · second stage: C16 triple lancet window with perpendicular tracery

17th century Pulpit · Stem and base 17th century, top and steps 19th century

18th century Lexington chapel · Chapel and monument, built c.1730 for 2nd Lord Lexington and his wife

19th century North porch · Roof

South porch · Door

South aisle · Door

Chancel · Reredos

Known Building Alterations

Tower: when the tower was added to the church, probably in the 15th century, late 12th or early 13th century grave slabs, known as Cross Slabs were reused as window lintels in the clock chamber of the tower. [2]

Photo: Dr Chris Brooke

Nave: at some unspecified date, the roof line was heightened, and a clerestory added. The original roof line is visible above the tower arch. And there is some evidence of wall paintings.

Ultraviolet image with image processing of tower wall and arch

(mage courtesy of Dr Chris Brooke

Photo: Geoff Buxton 1726: Chancel and Nave. Probably as part of the work of building her father’s memorial chapel (see below) Bridget, 3rd Duchess of Rutland paid for the chancel to be paved and ‘the window by my Seat in the Church to be glazed with crown glass’. [3] This reference to her ‘seat’, must refer to her personal box pew—see below under Fixtures and Fittings for more about church seating.

1726—1730: Lexington Chapel. Robert Sutton, 2nd Lord Lexington died in 1726. In his will he left £500 for a ‘decent’ monument to be built at Kelham where he was to be buried. The bodies of his wife, son, daughter, and grandchildren who had died in infancy, all buried at Rolleston to be

reburied with him. This became the Lexington Chapel (see separate entry below). [4]

1844: unsubstantiated claim that the Church was re-roofed and renovated. [2]

1873-4: Extensive renovation by Hodgson Fowler, including new pews, choir stalls, windows and turreted stonework to outside. Classical archway to Lexington Chapel redesigned in Gothic style. Fowler’s architectural drawings, held at Nottinghamshire Archives, show ‘existing’ and ‘proposed’ views of the Church, including the location of the box pews. Some proposed work was not carried out. [2, 5] 2015: The Bells: The bell frame, ringing floor and bells underwent extensive restoration. A new bell was added and the old clock mechanism replaced with a modern clock. (see below for more information on bells).

1949: An altar at the east end of the north aisle was dedicated to St George and the fallen of WW1 and WW2. It is the Church’s War memorial. 2018: Plaques were installed in the Chapel listing all those from the Villages and the Society of the Sacred Mission who fell in WW1.

Photo: Phil Staniforth

2018: The old organ was removed from east end of south aisle to reveal two sculpture niches and an aumbry. It has also opened up the ‘squint’ to the high altar. The organ previously used Lincoln Theological College (now closed) was installed on the south wall.

Photo: Martin Cooper

Damage to the Church Church windows. A few remnants of 15th century stained glass have been inserted into the existing church windows which was probably smashed either as a result of the Protestant Reformation or, given the apparent adherence to Catholicism during the 16th and early 17th century, during the Civil War. A few pieces can be seen in the aisle windows at Kelham. A large quantity of medieval glass, found in the cellars of Kelham Hall, has been reconstructed into a window in Averham Church. North door: There is a row of holes drilled though the door which are believed to date to the Civil War and were there to allow musket Photo: Geoff Buxton barrels to be inserted. 7

Fixtures and Fittings Seating and box pews 1583 On 9th October 1583, the Churchwardens were ordered by the Archdeaconry Court to allocate seats to the parish to take with them Mr Henry Sutton, Mr Roche, Henry Welles and Francis Mydleton and themselves to appoynt the parisheners their places in the church before Sondaye next” and to certify at the next court “what order they take there” [6] Before the Protestant Reformation pews or benches in churches were not common. After the Reformation, church attendance became a legal requirement and congregations were expected to listen to long sermons. Seating was installed in churches and seats allocated to parishioners according to social status. Wealthy parishioners could pay for their own seats, which were often box pews as these offered a degree of privacy. A plan, drawn up in 1872-3 by Hodgson Fowler shows the location of all the box pews in Kelham Church, which take up the whole of the Nave. 1726 Bridget, 3rd Duchess of Rutland, the owner of Kelham Hall and patron of the Church, paid to have the window near her seat glazed with ‘crown glass’. According to the Fowler drawing (below), the only large pew next to a window was at the east end of the North aisle, where St George’s altar now stands. From here, the Duchess would have been separated from the main congregation but be able to observe them, and the minister. This plan also shows the pulpit on the South side of the chancel arch.

Nottinghamshire Archives DD/HR /17/5: Architectural Drawing by Hodgson Fowler, before restoration 1874 All the box pews were removed by Hodgson Fowler, who also moved the pulpit to the north side of the chancel arch, as part on an extensive restoration. [5]

The Bells Kelham has four bells, two of which are of historic importance. They are: 1. 1886, cast by John Taylor & Co, weight 200kg (moved from St Barnabas Church Leicester, in 2016). 2. C.1600, cast by Henry Oldfield, weight 230kg. 3. C.1580 cast by Henry Dand, weight 305kg. It is considered a fine example of Dand’s work. 4. 1634 cast by George Oldfield, weight 355kg. The Church Buildings Council has designated Bell 2 (cast by Oldfield in c.1600) and Bell 3 (cast by Dand in c.1580) of historic importance because of their early casting. Inscriptions: Bell 2: God Save the Church Bell 4: All men that hear my mournful sound repent before you lye in the ground. A date and initials are carved into the bellframe, perhaps denoting some work on the mechanism

Photos: Martin Cooper

Other fittings 1684 An inventory of the Church’s possessions signed by the Churchwardens and Rector lists the church chalices and patons, vestments, books, furnishings and other belongings. The list includes a small chalice with a cover.

The Cover hath engraven on ye Top 1607 The Cup hath those Words engraven about ye Brim: Renewed by Henry Sutton Esquire, Robert Letherland Parson of Kelham, John Parner Clarke. [12] The full transcription in included in the Appendix. [7]

Nottinghamshire Archives: PR 5696. Photo: Judith Mills

Church land 1684 In 1684, at the same time that an Inventory of the Church’s fixtures and fittings was drawn up, a Terrier or list of land belonging to the Rectory was drawn up. It listed

• 'faire' mansion house with garden on east side; • A kitchen and other offices with land on south side • A large barn on east side of the yard [8] 1726 The audited accounts of John Clay, Steward to the 3rd Duchess of Rutland show that she paid 13s 4d for the ‘rent’ of the Churchyard, which by this date had been ‘imparked’ within the grounds of the Hall. [3] 1755 In 1755, the parishes of Kelham and Averham were combined into a single parish because the individual incomes were insufficient to support two vicars. The parsonage house, barns and other buildings were to be demolished. [9]

The Church and The Poor In 1578, church officials were made responsible for the care of the poor, including collecting the local poor relief. 1584 In the Collectors for Kelham were reported to the Archdeaconry court for not collecting the tax. [6] Roger Hyll and John Staynton collectors for the poore have not gathered of the parishiners as they ought to have done” Enjoined to give twelve pence to the poor box “and to make their accomptes to the next collectors and to present until them that have not payd such collectors” New Collectors were then appointed: The Churchwardens doe affirme that Mr Sutton of Averham Esquyer ys the one collector and John Staynton ys the other It is interesting to note that one of the collectors is from Averham, though perhaps he performed the same duty in that village. In the same year, the vicar was accused of not giving the ‘profits’ from his income – which was derived from ‘first fruits and tenths’ to the poor ‘as he aoughte to doe accoringe to the quenes injunctions. [6] 1595 The Rector of Kelham, William Greene, was excommunicated by the Archdeacon because he was not resident in the parish and did not give anything to the poor. [6] 1684 The 1684 Inventory includes ‘a poor mans Box with 3 locks and keys which is probably the one that is still in the church, near the tower arch.

The Lexington Chapel built 1726-1730

1717 On 27 August 1717, Bridget Sutton, daughter and sole heir of Robert Sutton, 2nd Lord Lexington, married John Manners, the Marquess of Granby, at St Wilfrid’s, Kelham which was her home parish. She was 17. [10]

Four years later they became the 3rd Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Together they had eleven children in as many years, but only three survived to adulthood. 1725-30 Following the death of her father, Bridget inherited Kelham Hall and all the estates for her lifetime. Under her father’s will she was charged with erecting a decent tomb for him and altering Kelham Hall to designs already agreed by him. Work began in 1725-6 and was completed by 1730.

Workmen and tradesmen’s bills survive in the Archives at Belvoir Castle and which show the cost of building the Chapel and carving her father’s tomb. [11]

Belvoir Castle Archives: courtesy of the Duke of Rutland

ranscrip on: Masons Work done at Kellem Church for her Grace the Dutchess of Rutland, by Mr Stanley & Wildsmith for 2200 solid foot of Stone and carriage at 12d p[er] foot 110 0 0 for 2165 foot of plain Ashler at 3d p[er] working 27 0 0 For 345 foot of Cornice etc. at 8d p[er] 11 10 0 For 303 foot of Circular work in widths at 8d p[er] 10 2 0 For 44 foot of Stepp at 6d p[er] foot 1 2 0 For taking and walling the founda ons as agreed 8 10 0 Makes 168 4 0

Other costs, totalling £273 3s 1d, were paid for building the burial place paving, forging ironwork and another £1 4s 1d was paid out to dig cellar below the tomb.

The elaborate Memorial was carved by William Palmer of London. He was the master mason at Lincoln’s Inn and also worked for Lord Folkestone and the Duke of Norfolk. The Sutton family solicitor Peniston Lamb practiced at Lincoln’s Inn and so was probably responsible for employing Palmer.

Surviving bills show that Palmer was paid £359 5s for carving the monument and a Mr

Freeborough and others charged £11 10s for freighting it from London. [11]

Photo: Geoff Buxton Since this photograph was taken, the monument has been professionally cleaned so that the white marble can be fully appreciated

Bridget died in 1734, aged 34. According to the Parish Register, she was buried at Kelham on 28 June 1734, but there is no known memorial to her so it is probable that she was later moved to a family tomb near Belvoir Castle. [10] Under the terms of her father’s Will, all the Kelham Estates including the patronage of the Church was to be inherited by whichever of Bridget’s sons was prepared to change his name from Manners to Sutton. Her eldest son inherited his father’s title of Marquess of Granby. Her second son changed his name to Manners-Sutton and inherited the Estate but died childless. The estate then passed to her third son, who also changed his name, and remained in the family until the

20th century.

The Advowson and the Rectors of Kelham

During the 12th century many new parishes were created, and local landowners often paid for the building of a church as this allowed him to retain title to the land and gave him the right to nominate the priest. This right is called the Advowson and could be inherited by the landowners’ heirs. If the landowner had no male heir, it was inherited by his daughter and, if he had more than one daughter, the Advowson was split between them. As women had limited legal rights, their husbands took turns to

nominate the new priest. Kelham’s Advowson was the subject of disputes until the mid fourteenth-

century. Eventually, it was owned by the Sutton family (later Manners-Sutton) who may have acquired it with land that they assimilated in the village over time.

1190 This is one of the earliest references to a Church at Kelham. [1] 1190 A ladyThis called is one Tysannde of the earliest de Kelham references owned to 2 amoieties Church ator Kelham.shares in the right to nominate the priestA ladyfor Kelham called Tysannde Church. Tysannde de Kelham and owned her husband, 2 moieties Maurice or shares de Kelhamin the right consented to to their son,nominate Walter, giving the priest these for moieties Kelham to Church. the Abbey Tysannde of Welbeck, and her together husband, with Maurice one acre of land. Thisde land Kelham may have consented formed to part their of son, the Walter,‘glebe’ orgiving the graveyardthese moie aroundties to the church. The Abbeydate of of this Welbeck, transaction together is approximate with one acre as theof land. manuscript This land only may states have that Maurice and Tysanndeformed lived part ‘in of the the time ‘glebe’ of Richardor the graveyard I’ (reigned around 1189- 1199).the church. W E Doubleday claims that the grant of the advowson was made by Roger de Kelsold whose

wife was heiress to the de Kelhams. This may have led to the dispute in 1250. [12] TysanndeThe date owned of this 2 moieties, transaction suggesting is approximate that she as inherited the manuscript from more only thanstates one relative. Unfortunately,that Maurice there and isTysannde no reference lived to‘in her the father’s time of fRichardamily. TheI’ (reigned de Kelham 1189 family- were prominent1199). landowners in Kelham for several centuries.

1204 There[1] was an Inquiry into a dispute between Richard, Abbot of Welbeck and Alexander, Prior of Shelford, concerning the Advowson of Kelham Church. They were both fined and an agreement was reached that the Advowson should be shared equally between them. [1, 12] W E Doubleday claims that the grant of the advowson was made by Roger de 1230 The Prior and Convent of Shelford were granted an annual pension or payment which Kelsold whose wife was heiress to the de Kelhams. This may have led to the included a stone of wax from their mediety or share of the Church of Kelham. As they do not dispute in 1250. [2] appear to be mentioned again in connection with the advowson, it may be that they received this pension in return for giving up their share. [2, 13] 1250 In a Tysanndedispute over owned the patronage2 moieties, of suggesti Kelhamng Church, that she Roger inherited de Kelsolt from andmore his than son, Adam claimed ownershipone relative. of the Unfortunately, church against therethe Abbot is no ofreference Welbeck. to [1] her father’s family. The 1291 As ade result Kelham of a familytax assessment were prominent ordered landowners by Pope Nicholas in Kelham IV, the for beneficeseveral is valued at £10, withcenturies. Welbeck Abbey named as patron. In comparison, Averham Church was valued at £20, with Agnes, widow of Sir James de Sutton, as patron. [2, 14] 1204 There was an Inquiry into a dispute between Richard, Abbot of Welbeck and 1336 In another dispute over the patronage of Church. The Abbot of Welbeck named his clerk, Alexander, Prior of Shelford, concerning the Advowson of Kelham Church. John, as priest. John de Swyndford of Kelm said he was the Patron and named Thomas de They were both fined and an agreement was reached that the Advowson Kendall instead. They violently ejected John Clerk and imprisoned him. They were indicted at should be shared equally between them. [1, 3] York and Thomas released his right to the living, leaving the advowson with Welbeck Abbey [15]

1230 The Prior and Convent of Shelford are granted an annual pension or payment which includes a stone of was from their mediety or share of the Church of Kelham. As they do not appear to be 14mentioned again in connection with the advowson, it may be that they received this pension in return for giving up their share. [3, 5]

C.1550: After the Dissolution of the Monasteries, land at Kelham owned by Welbeck Abbey was acquired by the Savile family who in turn sold it to the Sutton family of Averham. The Advowson passed to the Suttons with the land. They continued to own it until 1856. In 1734 the owner of Kelham changed his name to Manners-Sutton. Many members of the family became Rector of Kelham or, after 1755, Rector of Averham and Kelham.

1855: The Advowson for Two Presentations, i.e. the right to nominate the next two Rectors, was sold by John Manners-Sutton to Joseph Need Walker of Calderstone for £16,000. Joseph Need Walker nominated his son, Joseph as Rector and he served the parish until his death in 1907. He was succeeded by his son, J Cyril Walker who remained Rector until his death in 1942. The Advowson then reverted to the Church.

Photo: Geoff Buxton

Recusancy In 1593, Elizabeth I enacted An Act for restraining Popish recusants. Popish recusants were defined as people who were ‘convicted for not repairing to some Church, Chapel, or usual place of Common Prayer to hear Divine Service there’.

1608 and The Archdeaconry Court records show that several Kelham residents were fined and 1613 excommunicated for recusancy, including Mark Richardson who abused the churchwarden that reprimanded him for not going to church, and John Robinson, gent, who was described as a ‘popish recusant’. [6]

1624 - In the years between 1624 and 1632, the Archdeaconry Court records several examples of 1632 recusancy in Kelham, particularly within the Sutton family. Two entries for 1624 read: Henry Sutton of Kelham, gent and Mary his wife, also Katherine, Frances and Elizabeth Sutton his daughters ‘for being recusants’ Excommunicated Robert Swinburn, Mrs Barbara Cooper and Mary Harrington of Kelham for ‘beinge absent from the Churche these xij [12] months & not receiving this Easter’ Excommunicated Another recusant was named as Dennis Barnebye. The female members of the Sutton family were repeatedly excommunicated, though Henry Sutton does not appear again; this may be because is thought to have died in 1625. However, Henry is a common Sutton family name with one appearing in almost every generation. In 1638, Mrs Catherine Sutton of Averham was also reported for Recusancy. In the same year, the Churchwardens at Averham were reported for neglect of the church which needed paving and boarding, lacking the required books and vestments, not mending the seats and the font not having a cover. During the English Civil War, the Sutton family were supporters of Charles I who had leanings towards the Roman Catholic Church. [6] Robert Sutton who was created 1st Lord Lexington in 1645 as a result of his support for Charles I.

1641-2 Reacting to scares and rumours of threats to the Protestant church, all males over the age of 18 had to sign a national declaration that they would defend the Reformed Protestant Religion against all Popery and Popish Innovations. Fifty-seven Kelham men signed this declaration including another Henry Sutton and John Clay who was the Sutton’s steward. [16]

The Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Medieval Graffiti Survey

The Church contains a rich variety of graffiti which has been recorded as part of the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Medieval Graffiti Survey. The full survey report is available on-line https://dnmgs.wordpress.com/survey-results-2/kelham-church-notts/ and is summarised below. I am grateful to the project for their support. Photographs used here, unless stated otherwise were taken by me.

South Porch The South Porch is rich with graffiti including mason’s marks, compass drawn circles, initials, C17 dates, drilled hole patterns, text and two noteworthy figures. One is the large head of a Unicorn and the other, difficult to see, is of a horse-mounted figure wearing armour and carrying a shield and lance.

North Porch The north porch has around 100 different images. Of these images, about 22% are at present indecipherable. The most frequent images are groups of dots or holes made into the surface of either the walls or the horizontal benches on each wall. 29% of the images comprise this category and can be further divided into three roughly equal proportions: dots linked by inscribed lines, dots forming a pattern with no linking and dots forming letters; at least three of these letters form a clear W with linking lines and one unlinked pattern also forms such a W. These, together with M marks, are usually described as ‘witch marks’ and overall this category forms 9% of the images present. Some of the patterns of these dots form arrays of usually 3 x 3 lines and columns. Some have described these as versions of a game called Nine Men’s Morris which uses counters but the presence of such patterns on vertical walls would appear to cast doubt on this theory. It may be they are versions of nets, two of which were recorded in the porch, and which it is thought to be a means of snaring witches/evil. Figure 1 shows a selection of drawing taken from photographs of graffiti showing variations with some dots being linked by lines, some forming letters & some being unlinked forming arrays & letters. One image which occurs more than once has three dots linked in a vertical line with, to their right, two dots linked by a curved line. The two together seem to form the letters ‘IC’. This may be what is known as a Christogram. Often the Greek form of Jesus Christ (IHCOYC XPICTOC) is abbreviated to the first and last letters of each part of the name, thus: IC XC. Here we may be seeing the first and last letters of the name Jesus: IC. Note also the frequency of witch marks. Other witch marks in the porch are simply inscribed without recourse to using dots. The letter ‘T’ occurs six times in the porch and this may represent the cross. Many of the symbols which can be seen here could be protective. The north side of the church was traditionally regarded as being associated with the Devil so it may be that protective symbols, such as Christograms & witch marks are more frequently seen in the north porch. The undoubted ‘stars’ of this graffiti-ridden porch are the depiction of windmills. There are two of these situated fairly low-down on the west wall of the porch and another two on the east wall. The better image of the two on the west wall depicts a tall, four-sail windmill which may be standing on a mound. Its height suggests a tower mill but scratchings on the base may show braces which were more characteristic of post-mills. The latter were certainly introduced from the 12th century onwards in England though tower mills were also known to have been built in the Mediaeval period. The second windmill on the west all is less well executed but appears to depict a two-sail mill and this does seem to be a post mill. Both pieces of graffiti are likely to be mediaeval in origin. 17

Figure 1 (Graffiti Survey)

Windmills on west wall of North Porch)

Nave, South Door and Tower Door The graffiti is less numerous in the Nave. There are dated armorials on the pillars and mason’s marks, initials and dates on the stonework around the South Door and Tower Door.

Armorial on pillar, north aisle There are three less elaborate armorials below it and two on the opposite side of the pillar. The pillar to the south side of the chancel arch also has a number of small armorials carved into it.

These marks ‘W’ marks on the arch to the Tower door, are overlapping ‘Vs’, and probably stand for ‘Virgin of Virgins’. It is thought that they were beseeching the protective power of the Virgin Mary.

Net design on south porch arch. There is a second, less distinct net next to it. Both protective devices.

Tower Roof There are over 200 examples of graffiti in the lead of the tower roof, dating from the early 1700s to the 1980s. Predominantly the engravings are outlines of shoes, some highly decorated with tread patterns and/or nails many with initials and dates. There are also outlines of hands and a small number of excellent caricatures of people’s heads and one of a dog standing above an armorial design. There are a small number of pornographic graffiti but these may be modern. Interestingly only two of the engravings could be directly attributed to plumbers who laid or later repaired the roof. In addition, some of the shoe prints and hand outlines are clearly those of children or young adults.

Photo: Graffiti project

Photos left and below: Philip Staniforth

Appendix

Inventory of Church of Kelham, 1684

A bill indented of ye vestments and vessells

Belonging to ye p[ar]ish Church of Kelham, required By the Canons of the Church of England to be

[faded] to the Care and Custody of ye Churchwardens

Of ye said Parish Anno Dom 1684

Inprimis A Communion table: A Carpet of Green cloth for ye same. A Table cloth with KELLHAM in [faded – possibly letters] of Red Silk, but now discoloured. A Diaper Napkin with S I P in Silk, in one of the Corners, to be used at ye Time of the Celebration of ye Lords Supper. Item One pewter flagon One Silver Paton, with these words engraven upon it: FOR THE CHURCH OF KELHAM.

Item A Small chalice with a cover. The Cover hath engraven on ye Top 1607 The Cup hath those Words engraven about ye Brim: Renewed by Henry Sutton Esquire, Robert Letherland Parson of Kelham, John Parner Clarke.

Item One large chalice given by ye Lady Lexington. A Booke of Homilies: A Booke of Canons: A large Bible: A Common prayer booke in folio and another one Quarto for ye Clarke. A Bire [bier], an Herse Cloth, a poor mans Box with 3 locks of keys, Kepy of ye Canon 84 [faded] A surplice and an hood, a purpill Cloth vestment

A printed Table of ye Degrees wherein Marriage is prohibited A register of parchment for Baptism, Marriages and Burialls. And also a Register book for the names of strangers admitted to preach A chest with 3 locks and keys to keep these Vessels and Vestments of the Church in A ffont of stone with a cover to it.

Rev. Gibson Rect. de Kelham Robert Barrow [plus 2 others names – faded] Churchwardens 1684

Sources

1. DD MN 2/9, Nottinghamshire Archives. Abstract of Titles and Deeds relating to Kelham Estates This document is a handwritten summary of a series of charters, deeds and other documents relating to the Manners-Sutton ownership of Averham, Kelham and Rolleston. Many entries are undated, but it references sources, including the Rufford ‘Register’ and the Welbeck Cartulary (held at the British Library Harley MS). 2. ‘History of Kelham Church’ on the Southwell and Nottingham Church History website; http://southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk/kelham/hhistory.php . The pages include the official Historic England Listing 3. Nottinghamshire Archives DP 70/1 Audited accounts of John Clay, Steward to Bridget, 3rd Duchess of Belvoir, 1726. 4. Nottinghamshire Archives DD H 45/7a: Copy of Will of Robert, Lord Lexington. This extensive will makes provision for his estate to be inherited by his daughter and then her sons. It also includes directions and financial provision for the rebuilding of Kelham Hall as well as building his memorial. 5. Nottinghamshire Archives DD HF 17/1-32: Plans of Church at Kelham. This series of architectural drawings interior and exterior views of the church. Some are ‘before’ restoration, and some ‘planned’ restoration not all of which was carried out. 6. ransactions of the Archdeaconry Court Vols 1- 3: 1626-1675. This is a typewritten transcription of the Archdeaconry Courts for Nottinghamshire, held in Nottinghamshire Archives (Library Shelf) 7. Nottinghamshire Archives, PR 5695. Inventory of the Church of Kelham, 1684. This is an Indenture written on parchment which is very faded in places. 8. Nottinghamshire Archives, PR 5694. Terrier of the lands of Kelham Rectory, 1684. 9. Nottinghamshire Archives, DD H 161/440. Copy (?) of document, dated 1754, consolidating parishes of Kelham and Averham by Matthew, Bishop of York 10. Nottinghamshire Archives, Microfiche of St Wilfrid’s Church Parish Register 11. Documents relating to the building of the Lexington Memorial (and rebuilding/refurbishment of Kelham Hall) are held in the Belvoir Castle Archive and are reproduced here courtesy of the Duke of Rutland. 12. W E Doubleday, Notts villages: Kelham, first published in he Nottinghamshire Guardian (1947) and reproduced on the Nottingham History website http://www.nottshistory.org.uk/articles/doubleday/kelham1.htm 13. Extracts from the Register of Archbishop Gray, 1225-55, Surtees Society. 14. axatio database, maintained by the University of Sheffield, https://www.dhi.ac.uk/taxatio/forms 15. he History of Newark-on- rent by Cornelius Brown, p.129. His source of information is Assize Rolls 689, National Archives 16. Nottinghamshire Archives. Protestation Returns 1641-2, transcribed by W F Webster, 1980. (Library Shelf)