button to main menu  Gents Mag 1849 part 1 p.258

button introduction
button list, 2nd qtr 19th century
button previous page button next page
Gentleman's Magazine 1849 part 1 p.258
wainscot behind the altar extends across the entire width of the chancel; it is divided into nine narrow, upright, square-headed panels, containing cinquefoiled arches, with trefoils in the corners, and is surmounted by an architrave embattled on its upper edge. The middle panel, which is of a purple diapered ground, bordered by a broad illuminated edging of oak and vine leaves, following the course of the arch, contains a cross flory, highly emblazoned in gold and colours, within whose radiated centre is displayed the sacred monogram, I.H.S. surrounded by a white and gold circle, on which is painted in black and rubricated letters this sentence, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the Sin of the World." The two next panels on each side, within similar enriched borders surrounding white grounds, contain the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and the Commandments in black letters, with rubricated illuminated capitals and other illuminations. The remaining compartments are without ornament.
The pulpit and reading pew are features of the interior which add much to its general effect, and cannot but of themselves attract admiration.
The latter is a little elevated, and placed near the north pier, at the junction of nave and chancel. It is an irregular pentagon of handsome Gothic design. Light pillars, which rise from an appropriate base, support cinquefoil arches, that form small open panels; above which the book-board rests: and beneath, springing from the west, south-west, and south sides, are the half-length figures and heads of the four Evangelists, each holding before it a shield, on which is carved the emblem symbolic of the holy man. The other sides of the pew are void of adornment.
The pulpit, which is hexagonal, is of good shape and expression. It stands near the south pier, at the separation of the nave and chancel, and on a line with the reading pew, thus keeping up architectural symmetry. It terminates in a single pedestal of similar form, that rests upon a plinth of the same design. The sides are paneled, and enriched with sunken pointed cinquefoil arches, that rise from small circular pillars; and above them the shelf or book-board supports an eagle with expanded wiings. The cushions and draperies, like those in the reading pew, are of murrey-coloured velvet.
The organ, which was likewise the gift of Mr. Stanger, and the singers' gallery, occupy the west end of the nave, and conceal the west window and lofty arch, which opens from the tower into the nave, thus giving occasion for regret that the ancient arrangement of leaving the entire space of the tower, nave, and chancel clear to the view has not been adhered to. Was this beautiful arch restored and thrown open, the whole character of the interior would be greatly improved; and, though in this particular case the obstructions have been made as inoffensive as could possibly be, yet it might have been more desirable, with due regard to architectonic expression and effect, not to have closed up the arch, or admitted a gallery before it at all.
The font, displaced from its ancient symbolical position near the door, stands a little towards the north side of the west end of the nave, and immediately below the gallery. It is of stone, about four feet high, and has a pyramidal cover of deal, painted to look like oak. Through the efflux of time and much rough usage it is partially defaced, and further disfigured by continuous applications of lime and white paint. The head, which is octagonal, rests upon a stem, whose lower portion is of similar shape, though the upper part is quadrangular, and it rises from an incline placed upon a square base. The four sides of the incline have each had carving of some grotesque figure, now all but obliterated; and beneath the head are four other sculptures, all likewise so much mutilated as not to be defined, but whose position, exactly over the sculptures at the base, cause them to be regarded as having been the capitals of four small columns, that afforded further ornamental support to the overhaninging head. Seven of the faces of the lower part of the stem are ornamented in high relief with carvings of windows of the Decorated period of architecture, of three lights each; and the remaining face is carved in the same bold manner, top represent a window
button next page
gazetteer links
button -- St Kentigern's Church

button to main menu Lakes Guides menu.