A History of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin Ross-on-Wye Compiled by the Revd John Tarrant (and others) from a variety of sources, edited Mark Sanderson (2018) This guide has been compiled using a range of sources, in particular Church guide book – 1930, compiled by The Revd. EH Beattie (Rector) Church guide book - 1981 records found in the Rectory Box (now in the Herefordshire County Archive) “Collections towards the History and Antiquities of the County of Hereford” - John Duncumb / William Henry Cook (1882) An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Herefordshire, Volume 2, East. Originally published by His Majesty's Stationery Office, London, 1932. We have attempted to give an accurate account of the development of the building. Sources have been quoted where appropriate. This printed copy of the guide is intended to act as a reference for those visiting the church It can also be found at www.rawchurch.org.uk/st-marys-ross-on-wye 2 Contents Contents ................................................................................................................................................... 2 1. The Church .............................................................................................................................................. 5 General Background ................................................................................................................................ 5 St. Mary the Virgin ................................................................................................................................... 6 Ross-on-Wye ............................................................................................................................................ 6 Hereford ................................................................................................................................................... 6 Diocese, Deanery and Benefice .............................................................................................................. 7 Early Beginnings ....................................................................................................................................... 7 2. Nave, Aisles and Seating ........................................................................................................................ 10 The Nave ................................................................................................................................................10 Remaining indications of the Rood Loft. ...............................................................................................11 Nave Altar ..............................................................................................................................................12 Lectern ...................................................................................................................................................12 Pulpit ......................................................................................................................................................12 Pews and Seating ...................................................................................................................................13 The North Aisle ......................................................................................................................................15 The South Aisle ......................................................................................................................................18 The Rudhale Family ...............................................................................................................................19 The Rudhall Chapel ................................................................................................................................19 3. The Chancel ........................................................................................................................................... 21 Sanctuary ...............................................................................................................................................21 High Altar ...............................................................................................................................................21 4. The Markye Chapel................................................................................................................................ 25 5. The Windows ......................................................................................................................................... 27 The East Window ...................................................................................................................................27 Chancel Arch Windows .........................................................................................................................30 3 West Window. .......................................................................................................................................30 South Aisle .............................................................................................................................................31 Markye Chapel .......................................................................................................................................31 Chancel...................................................................................................................................................32 6. Tower, Spire and Bells ........................................................................................................................... 33 The Tower ..............................................................................................................................................33 The Bells .................................................................................................................................................35 Bell Details ..............................................................................................................................................35 7. The Organ .............................................................................................................................................. 37 The Organ Chamber ..............................................................................................................................37 1826 Organ Appeal ................................................................................................................................37 The Present Organ .................................................................................................................................38 The 2011 Organ Restoration .................................................................................................................40 Specification of the Rebuilt (2011) Organ (changes in red) .................................................................41 Sources ...................................................................................................................................................43 List of Rectors and Vicars.......................................................................................................................43 Appendix 1 History .................................................................................................................................... 49 Important Dates and Events .................................................................................................................49 1834 - Bishop’s Queries and Replies .....................................................................................................51 The Alterations of 1862 .........................................................................................................................52 Rector’s Report after the Rebuilding of 1878 .......................................................................................53 Appendix 2 War Memorials ...................................................................................................................... 56 Appendix 3 Rudhale Memorials ................................................................................................................ 57 Appendix 4 Other Monuments ................................................................................................................. 70 4 1. The Church General Background The Church stands on the promontory which is said to give Ross its name, Rhos being the Welsh word for a promontory or headland. The spire reaches up over two hundred feet above ground level, and looks most impressive from many vantage points in Ross, from across the Wye, and from miles around. The spire rises from a tower attached to the west end of the main body of the church, which has always consisted of a nave with an aisle on either side, all much the same size and each with a pitched roof to match. At the east end of the nave is a long chancel, and to the south have been added at different times a porch and then another chapel. The most recent addition is the organ chamber which extends the south aisle alongside part of the sanctuary. Coming into the church by the north porch, one enters a building which is in many ways typical of an English parish church of its size and age. You can see that it is the loved home of a fairly normal congregation. Some of the books in use are new, while others are well-worn.