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Caynham Village, Shropshire

St. Mary’s Church - Description

Re-Opening of St. Mary's.

In March 1886 the Church was re-opened. The Churchmen present were Bishop Staley, the Ven. Archdeacon Maddison, Rev. John Ross (the vicar of Caynham), the Rev. Prebendary Clayton (rector of Ludlow), the Rev. G.W.Tumey (Ludlow), the Rev. L.M.Williams (Knowbury), the Rev. T.Knapp and the Rev. C.W.Guemey (both of Tenbury). Also present on this locally historic and joyous occasion was a large congregation of Caynham folk. Dignitaries included. Lady Colletton, Sir William Curtis (Caynham Court), Dr & Mrs Long (Ludlow), Miss Lewis (Ludlow), Mr. E. Joynson (Ashford Hall), Mr. & Mrs. Brookes (Pougn Hill), Mr. R. Hyde (Caynham), Mr. G. Monnington (Caynham), Mr. J. Pinch (Caynham), Miss Plumbley, the organist (Caynham) and others.

The Church Building.

Firstly, observing the church building from the outside, we are informed that the exterior walls are of local stone obtained from Bradley's Bank and the facings are of red Grinshill. The roofs of the nave and the chancel are tiled with material from nearby Titterstone Clee.

South Doorway.

On entering the porch note the late Norman scalloped capitals and zig-zag arch moulding. The jambs were rebuilt in the 17th century. The remainder of the porch is red Grinshill and the heavy door is of stained oak. The porch floor is laid with forest flags. The roof timbers are of red pine. The interesting stencilled design underneath the interior sills was created by Mr. John Wood of Ludlow. He also gilded the altar rails, organ screen and gas brackets, the latter have since been replaced. Seating was remade from the existing old oak by Mr. Leilo also of Ludlow. mention should be made of two windows of transitional age, one which is moved into the north wall of the modern aisle. The second is in the south wall of the nave. When you go outside the building, you will identify this window by the 'star-work' above it. At the back of the Nave the brass plate shows a roll of honour commemorating those men of Caynham who lost their lives in the Great War.

Tri-partite Arch.

This particular feature is most worthy of note. Described by Dean Cranage as of 'Transitional character'. Situated as it is, between nave and chancel, the nature of the design is thought to have signified to early worshippers, the notion of a Triune' God. (see Fig. 3). The imposing marble pulpit commemorates Mabel, wife of the 4th baronet. Sir William M. Curtis.

Chancel.

The fine vaulted chancel roof is a rare feature for a Victorian church building. The corbels on which the roof rests are Early English. There is apparently nothing else in the chancel that is so old. The chancel windows are certainly later and the east window is modern as are the piscina and sedile, the organ chamber and vestry. The beautiful reredos, carved from stone bears various Christian symbols. In the large central niche is a crucifix and in the two side niches are the Virgin Mary and St. John. The whole being a memorial to Sir William Curtis, third baronet. Amongst the various memorials displayed in the chancel and other parts of the Church, you will see the engraving, entitled 'Salvator Mundi' ('Saviour of the World') which is by William Earlam. It is dated 1797 and is taken from a painting by Caria Doici. You will see by the brass plate below, that this is dedicated to 'Ariana Emily Charleton of Caynham Cottage'. Note also the fine modem window in the south wall dedicated to the 'Hunting Parson', the Rev. James Sidney Dundas Rider. At the age of 77 years he received fatal injuries whilst hunting with the Ludlow pack at Bleathwood in 1959. (see illustration of window at Fig. 4). The Rev. Rider was a familiar and much loved figure in the village and had served as chaplain to the Royal Air Force for five years during the Second World War. Previously he had served as a chaplain in France in the First World War where he was awarded the Military Cross for bravery in action on the Somme. The window shows him walking through the village, thumbstick in hand. Clearly seen is the village school, the church of St. Mary's and the iron age hillfort of 'Caynham Camp'.

North Aisle.

The North aisle is modem and is separated from the nave by three pointed arches of Transitional character. This aisle replaces the mid 19th century transept referred to earlier. The windows in the aisle and nave not previously referred to are modem. The west window of the aisle was brought from the east wall of the chancel, it is dedicated to William Edmund Curtis who died in 1860.

Font

The basin is old, though of uncertain period but has been reinforced by new octagonal shafts which give it a modern appearance.

West Tower, (interior)

The tower accommodates three bells which are inscribed thus : - + I HESUS BE OVRE SPEDE. 1606 1642 (not 1640 as appears in earlier references). + GOD SAVE HIS CHVRCH 1606 The treble and the tenor are by Richard Oldfield and it is thought that the remaining bell is by the same founder. It is recorded that as early as 1549 St. Mary's Church had 'three belly's of accord' .

West Tower, (exterior)

In the 1885 rebuilding the lower part of the tower was left untouched as it was in good condition. The remainder was foreshortened and rebuilt. The West door of the tower shows strong late Norman influence about the hood and imposts, (see Fig. 5, the 1791 illustration showing the tower as it was at that time.

The Preaching Cross.

In the churchyard, apart from the venerable yews and old gnarled holly trees you will have seen the ancient preaching cross. The cross which has been dated as 14th century is constructed of blue Hope Bagot stone. One learned scholar describes it thus:- 'it's base consists of three steps, the top one being a single slab of considerable thickness. The shaft has crockets along its angles, but it has now almost worn smooth by time's effacing finger it has lost the crowning cross, but still shows traces of its rich design. At the lower corners are figures of the four Evangelists, and, on the east side, in a shield, are the nails of the Crucifixion on the Western face is a fabemacled niche, and a cable moulding runs along the upper edge'. At least one hundred years have ticked by since that description was provided. It will be interesting to see which of the aforementioned features you can recognise today! The 'tabernacled niche' referred to is believed to have been constructed to accommodate a lamp, the light from which was intended to scare away evil spirits 'from the churchyard.' This 'seems' to have been successful, I have not seen any yet.

The Lych-gate.

The lych-gate as you will see by the plaque above the gates, is a memorial to the Great War 1914 - 1918. It was erected in 1922.