churchChurch History
By John Ghest
The Later Years
17th Century.Pulpit
tHE JACOBEAN PULPIT has the date 1659 carved just below the canopy along with the initials of the donor or Churchwarden.
18th Century.
iN THE CHANCEL stands a magnificent sarcophagus and monument to the Booth family. The Booth family served the village as vicars for several generations over more than fifty years.
The inscribed brass plates show a family of priests, soldiers and a strong connection with the law.
More information on the Booth sarcophagus.
HuddSited at the back of the nave is a Georgian 'Hudd' (Pronounced 'hood'). Shaped like a sentry box, the Hudd was carried out to the cemetary on wet days to provide shelter for the priest during burials.
There are probably fewer than six of these in existence
19th Century.
iN 1841 THE CLOCK, which chimes on the hour, was installed in the tower. The clock room is thought to have been the school-room prior to 1815 when the first village school was built in the vicarage grounds.
The present East window of stained glass, was designed and installed by William Wailles of Newcstle upon Tyne, in 1850, having previously been bricked up since at least 1750, due to a dispute with local farmers.
A major restoration took place in 1879 when both aisles and the chancel were given new roofs.
At the same time the Jacobean 'box' pews were replaced by the present ones.
East window
20th Century.
tHE ORGAN WAS BUILT around 1900 for the Rev. J.P. Croft who was organist at St. Matthews Church Westminster. After several moves the instrument came to Friskney in 1967.
The hanging paintings were created by Mrs. 'May' Cheales in the period 1914 - 1924. Many Friskney people modelled for them.
The preent Rood Screen was built into the church in 1975, with money from a bequest by Canon John C. Cheales, a former vicar of Friskney.
In 1996 the ringing gallery was constructed in the same position as one which formerly existed until probably the restoration of 1879.
21st Century.
tO MARK THE MILLENIUM the lighting was improved, a kitchen and toilet facilities installed and a meeting area at the base of the tower constructed.
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