ECKINGTON IN WORCESTERSHIRE
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ECKINGTON CHURCH TOUR

The earliest church on the site was probably built around 1150, 100 years after the Norman Conquest. Prior to that the Village Cross (possibly at the other end of the village) would have been the Christian meeting place - where monks from Pershore Abbey would preach.

The Norman Doorway that you enter through was originally part of the North Wall - moved to the West end when the Northe Aisle was added in 1831.

The oldest part of the Church is the North West wall of the Nave, the West wall and the pillars of the South Aisle. There is also an original window above and to the North of the main door. There was also a Musician's Gallery, built in 1774 and removed in 1887, above the West door.

The North Aisle was built in the 1830's. The arrival of the railway meant that the Church did not have sufficient seating and the vicar, without much consultation, knocked down the wall and some cottages to build the Aisle which has never been consecrated.

The Vestry was built in 1836. Above the entry to the Vestry is a painting of the Royal Arms. This replaced an earlier Crucifix in the sanctuary and was in use from 1714 to 1801.

On the North Wall is a memorial to Canon Howes (vicar from 1980-91) which lists all the clergy who have served at Holy Trinity since the 13th century. There is also an interesting window giving a colourful representation of the Trinity.

The present Pulpit was put in place in 1887 when the Church was restored. Also at that time plaster was removed from various walls to reveal the stone work. The previous pulpit was much larger and loftier.

The Organ Chamber was constructed after much debate, in 1908 - using stone from a cottage that had to be demolished. The Organ itself is a two manual and pedal organ by Nicholson of Worcester.

A Monument to John Hanford, builder of Woollas Hall, is on the North Wall of the Chancel. It features John, Anne and 13 children. It dates from around 1620.

The Communion Table is madeof carved black Oak. Although it dates from 1663 it has only been in the Church since 1868. The window above, dedicated to Canon Ismay, shows the Adoration of Jesus.

Behind a curtain is an unused Priest's Door

The oldest section of glass is a 14th century fragment of a kneeling woman at the top of a window in the South Wall of the Chancel.

The two Misericord seats in the clergy stalls tip up to reveal carvings of the Prodigal Son (North side) and the Good Samaritan (South side). These seats, and the choir stalls, are made of oak.

The brass Lectern was bought following an appeal in the Parish Magazine in July 1893.

The South Aisle, with its altar probably dedicated to the Virgin Mary, was probably built in the 12th century. The main Church entrance was in this aisle until 1831. On a small table adjacent to the modern altar is a Peace Candle. Above, the altar windows depict the Annunciation and St Cecilia.

On a pillar that supports the 15th century Tower are an angel (whose face was replaced in 1925!), a plaque cocerning the restoration in 1881, a niche (for a statue?) and the War Memorial.

Under the tower is the ancient Parish Chest cut from a single piece of elm. It has three locks and dates from the 12th century.

The tower had 4 bells in 1552, 6 in 1721 and 8 in 1968. The 18th century clock mechanism was replaced in 1950.

The font, moved from the chancel in 1844, may be 12th century.

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