File:- HART CHURCH EVENTS.
March 2011
HART CHURCH EVENTS. HISTORY St. Mary Magdalene’s Church at Hart is a fine medieval parish church embodying and containing architectural fabric and sculptural fragments from periods ranging from the 8 th century onwards and is one of the oldest churches in the area. The plaque at the entrance to the church gives the date of 675 AD but this has not been corroborated. Unfortunately no documentary evidence has survived to indicate the existence of an earlier church- Northumbria and the Palatine of Durham, being north of the Tees, were not included in the Doomsday survey of 1086, a survey which often gave details of lateSaxon churches. The original Church was probably a wooden structure, originally dedicated to the Blessed Mary of Hart. This seems to have been replaced by a stone building, which was damaged during Viking raids and subsequently restored. Walls are of the local magnesium limestone with some sandstone elements. There is damage in the church consistent with neglect and it may have been without a roof at some time. Major rebuilding took place during the Norman Era (11C/12C).Hart formed part of the estates held by the de Brus family. Robert de Brus granted Hart Church, together with lands to the newly founded Priory at Guisborough (1120). At the time of the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16 th. Century possession of religious foundations were forcibly taken by the Crown including Hart. There are stories that the original church was sited towards the east in the field known as the Kirk field, but no evidence has been produced to support this theory. When the Scots garrisoned the district during the civil war, there is an entry in the Hart Parish Register “James, son to Adam Banner, a louvetenant in ye Scotes arme at Hartinpoole” was baptised June 23rd.1645. The occupying force of Scots supported Hart Church and not a chapel in the Kirk field. 7th Century. EARLY CORROBORATION. 649
St. Hilda Abbess at Heretu (Hartlepool)
675
The first church was built at Hart. Hart was an important early estate centre, which began to break up when Bishop Ecgred (830-845) granted Billingham ‘in Heorternesse’ to the Cuthbert Community; the 7th century Monastery of Hereteu. Probably on the headland at Hartlepool, may have drawn on the Revenues of the estate.
680
St. Hilda died at Whitby
9th Century DESTROYED Towards the end of the 9th century the church and village was attacked and destroyed by Viking raiders . 920
The whole area of Hartness was controlled by Sculla a Norwegian Viking from Ireland who was given the land by Rugusla (another Viking). Neither would have had any interest in the Christian religion.
10th Century The present building has substantial pre-conquest stonework and it appears therefore that a stone church was built at Hart in the late Anglo/Saxon/ Danish period. The church at this time is thought to have consisted of a tower, nave and small square ended Chancel. The nave was approximately 49’3” in length and 22 feet in width with walls about 3 feet in thickness. The four angles of this pre-conquest nave are still in position and the angle quoins can still be seen externally on the south east corner. The chancel was entered from the nave through a semi-circular arch, the remnants of which can still be seen above the present chancel arch .The windows of such a church would have been small and round topped and the roof could have been covered with stone or thatch. In the roof area would have been a second story which was accessed by a door which can be seen now as a window with a triangle head above the chancel arch. The chancel would have been bare save for the altar, made from a single stone slab. This may be the slab found in 1898 in the graveyard and restored to the altar.
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Semi-circular arch stone arch visible in the chancel wall.
Baluster shafts resembling those discovered at Monkwearmouth and Jarrow were found in the restoration of 1884-5.Such shafts are known to have formed parts of towers in this period.
Baluster shaft The church therefore appears to have had a west tower, a rarity in pre-conquest churches. The tower if it follows the normal Anglo-Saxon pattern would have been narrow in base and slender in proportions with a wooded pyramidal roof and would be used more as a refuge in times of trouble than for religious purposes. Both inside and outside would have been covered by plaster or lime wash at this time and the roof by stone slabs.
Both nave and chancel floors would have been covered with straw and there would have been no seats.
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802-839 EGBERT (King of Wessex) King. 839-857 AETHELWULF.
King.
857-860 AETHELBALD.
King.
860-866 AETHELBERHT.
King.
866-871 AETHELRED 1
King.
871-900 AELFRED (The Great).
King.
900-924 EADWARD. (The Elder.)
King.
925-940 AETHELSTAN (First king of all England.) 940-Killed 946 EADMUND (The Magnificent.) 955-959 EADWY (The Fair)
King.
959-975 EADGAR (The Pacific)
King.
975-Killed 978.EADWARD 11 (The Martyr.) 1060
King.
The Saxon Falk de Pannal was Lord of Hart.
10th Century REBUILT.
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978-1016 AETHELRED 11 (The unready)
King.
1042-1066 EADWARD 111 (The confessor)
King.
1066 NORMAN CONQUEST.
11th Century DESTROYED. The north of England did not take kindly to the annexing of the throne by William the Conqueror, who after several rebellions in the 1068 /69 period sallied forth in what is known as the “Harrying of the North” when he laid waste most of Northern England. Hartness however received its “Harrying” slightly earlier for, when hearing of William’s intentions, Malcolm King of Scotland raided Hartness causing great damage and devastation. King William 1 ravaged the region in revenge for the killing of his chosen overlord by the locals.
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The church seems to have been largely rebuilt, after the damage suffered during Malcolm’s raids. The Anglo-Saxon tower was replaced by the square west tower is of substantial Norman construction in its lower stage. The Anglo Saxon Chancel was replaced with a small Norman construction. At this time the walls appear to have been covered by hard plaster. More light was let into the nave by the removal of the second story and by breaking through a number of round topped windows high on the walls known as a clerestory. The roof by now would have been of stone slabs, supported by a corbel table of grotesque heads, the north table of these are still in place in the north aisle. The walls appear to have been covered with hard plaster at this time. A small Norman Chancel replaced the even smaller Anglo-Saxon one.. It would have had a small round topped, possibly two light window. The interior would still have been very dark. The floor would have been of cobble or pressed clay covered by straw. The walls would have been limewashed and would display wall paintings. Experts disagree over whether the Nave pre-dates the Norman conquest. The early arch embedded in the walling above the present Chancel Arch together with the triangular-headed doorway above that, confirms that it had a Chancel. In the late12th Century the wooden section of the tower seems to have been replaced in stone with small lancet windows in the upper part. The tower windows were altered to match these. The new section was in large square coursed stones and was done in two sections marked by a chamfered set back course. It would have had a pyramidal wooden top covered by stone slabs The tower was entered from the nave through an arch of one order supported by angle pillows with cushion capitals. 1070-1072 Hart held by King Malcolm of Scotland, rapidly ousted by King William (The conqueror.). 1100 William 11 (Rufus) 1100-1135 Henry 1 (Beauclerc) 1100
King. King.
Robert de Brus granted lordship of the Manor of Hart by the king, Henry 1 (Plantaganet.)
1106 - 1306 De BRUS Family owned the HART ESTATE.
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1119
CHARTER. The foundation charters of Guisborough Priory refer to the endowment of the church at Hart.
1141 MATILDA. Proclaimed Queen. 1141
Robert de Brus married Agnes de Pannel. Reinforcing the De Brus claim to the Manor of Hart.
1154-1189 HENRY 11 (Plantagenet Curtmantel) 1190 killed 1194
It was known as the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but was later renamed as the Church of St. Mary Magdalene The present building has substantial pre-conquest stonework and it appears therefore that a stone church was built at Hart in the late Anglo / Saxon / Danish period.
Modern picture showing evidence of Saxon stone work in the south east corner of the Nave 1199 Richard 1 Couer de Lion (The Lion Heart.) King of Jerusalem. 1199-1216 JOHN (Lackland) 1200
King.
VICAR Stephen de Cotum. Stephen de Cotum. All the medieval vicars were canons of Guisborough and little information about them has survived.
13th Century CHANCEL. In the 13th century the mass became more elaborate and following the Lateran Council 1215 more churches were encouraged to have their own clergy and to provide for their upkeep. To accommodate these changes the chancels in churches were enlarged and embellished. St. Mary’s appears to have been no exception and the chancel seems to have been substantially enlarged at this time.
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Modern view of the nave looking west. Picture shows the North and South arcades, thought to have been built during the 13 th century. The south aisle is thought to have been built during the 13 th century, and repaired / rebuilt incorporating the arcade in the 15th century. There is conflicting architectural evidence for both theories. The south aisle is joined to the nave by an arcade of 4 pointed arches. The south door was moved into the aisle. The south door was the most frequently used door by the congregation. The north door immediately opposite to it in the north wall was used mainly during the baptismal ceremony to let the Devil out. Later in the middle ages it was blocked to keep the Devil out. Some doubts have been cast on this story but the north side of any church, the dark side was connected with the Devil and was never used at this time for burials. North West Aisle External Wall showing the Quoins where the door was removed.
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LANCET WINDOW. The Lancet window in the south aisle facing west has nail head ornamentation dating back to the 13th century would be installed when the south aisle was added to the nave. It may have been salvaged from the south wall of the nave when it was demolished for the new south aisle and rebuilt into the west wall of the new south aisle. It is possible that the piscina was reset at the same time. (see 14th Century)
Lancet Window in the South West Aisle. 13th Century FONT Norman font made from a single piece of sandstone. Decorated with carved columns with cushion capitals. Now situated at the back of the church in the south west corner, having been retrieved from the church graveyard.
Norman Font.1216-1272 HENRY 111 King
1272-1307 EDWARD 1 Longshanks. 1288
King.
CANONS. A licence states that the vicarage of Hart was to be served by two honest and discreet canons but in 1306 only one canon is granted to Hart. However by 1311 two canons are mentioned.
1296 Robert de Brus 7th. fights on the side of the English against the Scottish King.
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14th Century
PISCINA. At the east end of the south aisle set into the south wall. . For washing communion vessels This could be indicative of a Chantry altar in the south aisle during the 14th and 15th centuries. Chantry chapels were endowed by a wealthy landowner where a priest said prayers for the Lord’s soul and those of his family.The Piscina was used to discharge “holy” or “blessed” water into the wall, to prevent witches collecting it.
1306
After the death of”Braveheart” William Wallace, Robert de Brus 7th.of Hart successfully claimed the throne of Scotland.
1307
King of England Edward 1st.strips Robert de Brus of his Manor of Hart, granting it to his General, Robert de Clifford.
1307- killed 1327 EDWARD 11 of Caernarvon 1311
King.
Hart Raided by Robert de Brus’s forces.
1314 Battle of Bannockburn. De Brus victorious. He gains revenge for the loss of Hart when Robert de Clifford, the new Lord of the Manor of Hart, is killed 1314 A truce is granted to the whole of the Bishopric of Durham, except Hart and Hartlepool.
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1327-1377 EDWARD 111 King. 1327 The Bishop of Durham claims the lands lost by De Brus after his treason. This rule is short lived ,the Cliffords soon regaining ownership. 1333 King Edward 111 contemplates an invasion of Scotland and orders a general muster of his forces to assess their strength. At an array of the clergy at Gilesgate Moor the vicar of Hart attends with a Lancer and three Archers. 1340 The Manor of Hart is valued at ÂŁ100-00 and is noted as being attached to the Manor House.) 1353 VICAR
John de Wirkesall
1373 Vicar until 1378 Robert Ormby Robert would have been a Canon of Guisborough. 1377-1399 RICHARD 11 of Bordeaux.
King.
1399-1413 HENRY 1V of Bolingbroke
King.
15th Century STEEPLE. The 15th Century saw the medieval church reach the height of its power and decoration. The third of the Gothic styles of architecture Perpendicular reached its peak. The wooden steeple covered with lead was added as decoration to the top of the tower. It was of wood covered by lead. Buttresses were added to the south side.
15th. Century. FONT. Octagonal, ornate font carved in local limestone. Thought to be the work of a local mason. Round the bowl are emblematical figures of the evangelists with the figures of Peter and Paul in relief. Extensively repaired. Now erected at the back of the church in front of the entrance to the tower (see 1626 FONT). (Christian Inheritance pamphlet number 15)
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15th Century NORTH AISLE. A north aisle was added joined to the nave by an arcade of 2 semi-circular arches. It has been suggested that this was a reconstruction of an earlier Norman aisle, but no evidence has been found to support this has been uncovered. The Norman Corbel table mentioned earlier of grotesque heads was left as an internal feature of the new aisle.
Corbels in the North Aisle.
At the same time, the Norman chancel arch was replaced by a wide sprung semi-circular arch. Again with 3 chamfered orders and half octagonal responds (supporting pillars) with moulded capitals and bases. In the roof area, a second story, which was accessed by a door, which can be seen now as a window with a triangle head above the chancel arch.
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Chancel Arch, showing the old Norman Arch. The interior of churches was very colourful at this time. The church was dominated by the Rood -Christ flanked by the kneeling statues of Mary and John. There would be a screen below to separate the chancel from the nave. Most of the medieval mass took place behind the chancel screen where the clergy would perform the rites on the stone altar, which would be ornamented only by the reredos (back screen) but no candles so there would be no distraction from the Rood. The Rood beam would be covered in candles – a practice which led to many fires in medieval churches with their rush covered floors. At this time there were no seats and the congregation would stand in the nave or, if weak or elderly, “go to the wall” where stone benches may have been provided.
1407 VICAR until 1417 John de Hall. In 1417 John de Hall was in dispute with the burgesses of Hartlepool over tithes-presumably non- payment. John went to Rome in 1417 and was granted a licence to be absent from his parish so long as the cure of souls was not neglected. 1413-1422 HENRY V of Monmouth. 1418 VICAR
John Easingwold.
1422-1461 HENRY V1 1454
King.
King.
WITCHES. Helene de Inferno was accused of performing witchcraft but was later cleared.
1455 until11485 THE WARS OF THE ROSES. 1461. John de Clifford fights and dies for the Lancastrians. The Cliffords lose their estates including Hart, when the Yorkists are victorious. King Henry V11 wins the Battle of Bosworth. The wars are ended and Henry de Clifford is given Hart back.
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1470-1471 HENRY V1
King.
1471-1483 EDWARD
King.
9th April 1483-Killed 23rd. June 1483 EDWARD V King. 1485-1509 Henry V11
King.
1501
VICAR Robert Sarnebie. Few records exist for the period covering the majority of the 15th century due mainly to the Bishop’s registers not having survived. All we know of Robert is that he was assisted by John Casson, a parochial chaplain and that Edward Mathew was Chantry priest.
1528
Cardinal Wolsey when Bishop of Durham, claimed Hart Manor, the Cliffords surrender it only to have it promptly returned when King Henry V111 seeks to weaken the power of the church.
1509-1547 HENRY V111 1535
VICAR William Wilson William was the last Canon of Guisborough to hold the vicarage.
16th Century PATRONAGE Taken from the priory at Guisborough by the Crown following Henry V111’s break with the rule of Rome in 1533 /34 when the church in England loosened its Catholic roots and began to embrace the elements of a Protestant religion. Edicts instructed all clergy to remove Rood loft beams, limewash over wall paintings, to remove religious effigies and stained glass and to replace the stone altar by a wooden communion table. The altar stone, which is one piece of stone is decorated with five crosses, representing Christ’s wounds, was removed and buried in the churchyard. Fortunately it was not broken up and languished there until 1898 when it was dug up and re-instated to the altar. An essential part of the altar was a saint’s relic of some kind and it would have been kept beneath the altar stone in a vessel known as a sepulchrum. When Henry V111’s commissioners set about their destruction of Catholic Abbeys and Churches, one of their missions was to eradicate or remove objects they considered to be either superstitious or to be worshipped as idols, hence the wrecking of the altars. There is no evidence of a sepulchrum as the present altar is situated further forward than the original as the chancel was reduced in length in 1805/6. 1537 VICAR until 1554 Ralph Todd. Ralph was granted the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law at Cambridge in July 1519 and at the same time took Holy Orders. He became vicar of Hart in 1537 and held it until 1554. He took a dispensation in 1546, presumably from the king, to hold an additional benefice, that of Vicar of Hartburn, Northumberland, until he died in 1554. He must have been flexible in his beliefs to have held livings through the early pangs of the Reformation, through the Catholic Revival of Mary 1’s reign and into Elizabeth’s Protestant era. He died in 1569. 1539
At the time of the dissolution of the monasteries, Hart Church passed to the Crown and only in 1888 did the patronage come under the Bishop of Durham.
1547-1553 EDWARD V1 King On Edward’s instructions commissioners removed all but items essential for the sacraments. At Hart, John Hynde removed fittings from the chancel, including the priests vestments and “certayne sackerynge belles, crewetes and other ymplements”. He left a chalice, a puten and two bells in the steeple. 1553-1558 MARY 1
Queen.
1554 VICAR UNTIL 1581 William Hardying. William was presented by Mary on the resignation of Ralph, and must have signed Elizabeth’s act of Conformity to have survived until 1581
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1558-1603 ELIZABETH 1 Queen. Following a short respite in the reign of Mary 1553 to 1558 Elizabeth reinforced the changes and further required the provision of fixed seating for the congregation and a pulpit for the preacher.
1569
THE RISING OF THE NORTH. Seventeen men from the Parish of Hart joined the rebels. Four were executed for treason after the rebellion failed
1580-1587 ROBERT PETRIE and JOHN MORLEY owned the HART ESTATE. 1581 VICAR until 1584 John Martyne. Martyne is a somewhat shadowy figure. From an entry in the registers by his successor John Robson. Martyne officiated for three years from 1581 to 1584, but it is not clear as to whether or not he was actually inducted as Vicar. Neither Martyne nor his predecessor, Hardying kept the registers particularly well. Martyne only recorded promises. 1582
WITCHES. July 28th. 1582 Alison Lawe of Hart was prosecuted for being a notorious sorcerer and enchanter. She had to stand with a paper on her head once in Durham Market, once in Hart Church and once in Norton Church. (This was before the era of witch persecution in the 17th century.)
1584 VICAR until 1601 John Robson. Buried in the chancel when he died in 1605 ( position not known). 1587
George Clifford third earl of Cumberland sold Hart to Lord Lumley to finance his Privateering ventures
1587-1770 LUMLEY FAMILY owned the HART ESTATE. 1587
PLAGUE The records show that in 1587 the parish suffered from the plague and 89 corpses were buried.
1588 1596
SPANISH ARMDA DEFEATED WITCHES Ellen Thompson “fornicetrix and excommunicated” was buried of ye people in ye Chaer at ye entrance unto ye yeate or stile of ye church yard on ye east thereof.
17th Century PORCH and SOUTH AISLE.. Porch probably first added in the 17th century, with stone seats and corbel heads built into the interior walls. These corbels and the stone were probably salvaged from the south wall of the nave which dated back to the 13th century when the south aisle was “modernised” by the arcade being inserted. .At the same time the wall was reduced in thickness by 20” thus increasing the width of the nave. The original thickness of the of the wall (3 feet) can be seen at the south west corner of the aisle. This increase in width of the nave made both the chancel arch and the tower no longer symmetrically placed relative to the nave. There is a descent of three steps into the nave. The outer archway is a segmented one of two hollow chamfered orders continuing to the ground and the inner doorway is of similar section but pointed.
1601
VICAR until 1613
Gabriel Price.
1605
PLAGUE. Plague was rife in 1605 when 80 corpses were buried.
1603-1625 JAMES 1
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1613 VICAR until 1626 John Leake. John was admitted Sizar at St. Catherine’s College Cambridge in 1589 and matriculated the same year. He was granted a B.A. in 1591 and an M.A. in 1595. He was Rector of Ashingtomn, Essex (1602-1613) and was Vicar of Hart until his death in 1626 and was buried at Hart. He appears to have been curate in 1620. He used christening rather than baptism in the registers which suggests possible Catholic leanings. 1625 -Killed 1649 CHARLES 1
King.
1626 VICAR until 1653 Rev Edward Young. Edward became incumbent on the death of John Leake. He was presented by the king, instituted by the Bishop of Durham, Richard Neile and inducted by the Arch Deacon of Durham. At some time during the Civil War and Commonwealth period after 1650, he was replaced in his parish duties by an “Intrewder” or Puritan Clergyman, John Bowey. He died before 1653. 1649- 1660 OLIVER CROMWELL Republic. 1641
WITCHES Old Mother midnight of Elwick was buried at Hart.
1642
OUTBREAK of the CIVIL WAR. English civil war. Cavaliers at Hart, Roundheads in Elwick. Roundheads later take over in Hart. Staunch Royalist Lord Lumley loses the village which is occupied for Parliament by Scottish troops.
1643
On the 26th. of August 1643 an Act was passed for the destruction of all altars and communion tables, along with tapers, candlesticks....crucifixes, crosses, and all images and pictures of any one or more persons of the Trinity, or of the Virgin Mary, all other images and pictures of saints, or superstitious inscriptions in churches chapels, other places of public prayers and churchyards. These were to be destroyed along with altar rails, the ground where altars had stood were to be levelled ( this was to make sure the sepulcrum containing a relic of a saint would be destroyed or found and disposed of) and stained glass windows were to be smashed
1644
On the 9th May 1644 the Puritans passed another act ordering the same thing again, along with the destruction of any frames or cases where images stood, all organs and all copes, surplisses, superstitious vestments, roods and fonts- to ‘please God’ and yet images of kings, princes, noblemen and knights, along with their coats of arms were allowed to remain.
1646
MILITARY VICTORY for the PURITANS..
FONT During the Commonwealth period the ornate octagonal font was not so lucky as the altar stone and was broken up by vicar Bowey imposed on the church by the Puritans (these clergy were known as “intrewders) Displacing-the incumbent Edward Young. The broken font lay buried in the vicarage garden, until rescued in 1883 when the church was restored in the time of the Rev. T. Aldridge Thorne. In 1660 John Bowey was ejected and as it was put, “returned silenced to Scotland”. Fortunately the altar stone escaped unscathed as it had been removed and hidden away in the churchyard at the time of Edward the 6 th. and was not returned to the altar until it was found in 1898. 1645
SCOTTISH OCCUPATION.
1649
CHARLES 1 Beheaded.
1649
OLIVER CROMWELL (Republic)
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1650
VICAR until 1661 Rev. John Bowey. John Bowey was a native of Scotland and seems to have been resident in Elwick from 1645. Puritan clergymen were placed in the parishes as replacements for the established clergy during the suspension of the Episcopal system during the Parliamentary Regime. In many instances they operated alongside the deposed incumbent. Whether they co-existed at Hart we do not know but John Bowey was ejected on the restoration of the monarchy for not signing Charles 11’s Act of Conformity and returned “silenced to Scotland”
1652
In October 1652 the parish records list a John Passmore was buried and it was noted that a star appeared in the south east and the sun eclipsed.
1660 OLIVER CROMWELL died and the Monarchy was restored. 1660-1685 CHARLES 11
King.
1660
Restoration of Charles 11. Lumley created Baron and regained Hart.
1661
VICAR until 1708 Rev. Edward Smathwaite Following the departure of Bowey, Charles11 presented Edward Smathwaite to the living. He read the articles in the church on the 29th. day of September 1661 in the presence of Miles Stapleton, notary. During his incumbancy, Gilbert Laccie was “licensed to schooole in the parish of Hart and does freely and from his heart subscribe to the Declaration and acknowledge every parte the same”. All school Masters as well as clergymen had to sign the Act of Conformity.
1678
BURIAL SHROUDS. In the second register details are given of affidavits sworn under the 1678 Burial Woollen Act, showing the shrouds were made of wool. This is an unusual reference in records.
1685-1688 JAMES 11 1688-1694 /1702
King.
MARY 11/ WILLIAM 111 (Prince of Orange.)
1702-1714 ANNE (All 17 children died) 1708 VICAR until 1723
Queen / King.
Queen.
Rev. Stephen Woodifield.
1714-1727 GEORGE 1 (Elector of Hanover.) King. 1723 VICAR until 1735 Rev. Edward Wragg. Edward had a son, also a priest in Durham. William Lawson was licensed to officiate as Parish clerk.
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1727-1760 GEORGE 11 (Elector of Hanover) King. 1727
STEEPLE Wooden spire covered with lead, dismantled and replaced with a flat roof. (Faculty granted.)
1735 VICAR UNTIL 1770 Rev. John Moreland. John was an M.A. and was ordained Deacon in 1719 at Fulham and priest in 1724 at Durham. He was curate of Monkwearmouth (1724-1735) before becoming vicar of Hart on the 29th January 1735. He declared when he was admitted to the vicarage, that he would “conform to the Liturgy of the Church of England as it is now established. Witnessed by my hand this twenty ninth day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and thirty five”. Isaac Johnson was curate from 1723 when he declared that he would conform to the liturgy of the Church of England. His salary was £35-00 1735
Prospecting in Hart for coal failed.
1744
STEEPLE The Steeple on the tower had by 1744 become unsafe and was dismantled. Towards the end of the century the straight parapet and nondescript corner ornamentations were fitted to the tower.
1760-1820 GEORGE 111 1770
King.
4th. Earl of Scarborough (Lord Lumley) offered the freehold Manor of Hart for sale by auction by Langford and Son, at the Great Piazza, Covent Garden, London on the 21st. July. Acquired by Admiral Sir George Pocock.
1770-1830 Admiral Sir GEORGE POCOCK owned the HART ESTATE. 1770
VICAR until 1808 Rev. Benjamin Pye. LLD. Benjamin Pye was the most colourful Vicar of Hart of the post reformation period. He was born in Westminster 1725, son of Henry Pye. He matriculated at New College, Oxford in May 1744. He was granted the degree of Bachelor of Civil Law in 1751 and Doctor of Civil Law in 1772. He became Canon of Salisbury in 1760 where he met Shute Barrington, later Bishop of Durham. He became Rector of Whitburn County Durham (1769) and was presented by his Majesty King George 111 to the vicarage of Hart with Hartlepool on the 26 th. October 1770. Through influence of Bishop Barrington he became Rector of Easington and in 1791, Archdeacon of Durham whilst retaining Hart. He conducted a visitation around his Archdeaconry in 1792 the details of which survived for most of the parishes. Benjamin Pye was not perhaps the epitome the way one would expect an Archdeacon to behave. He was accused of seducing a girl at Easington and a letter from Percival Stockdale to Archdeacon Pye showered such venom on him. Stockdale writes:“I have many failings and faults, but I need no superfluous wealth to purchase and conceal insatiable fornication and incest and to conceal a crime which it is almost criminal to name.” In spite of these accusations Benjamin Pye remained Vicar of Hart, Rector of Easington and Archdeacon of Durham until his death at Easington Rectory on the 20th of April 1808 in the 83rd. year of his life. Pye probably spent very little time at Hart and the living was looked after by a number of curates.
1795
The broken bell belonging to Hart Church was sold to John Hevelhurst of Stockton. Weight of bell 21s tones 6 lbs at 6 pence per pound £7-10-00. (240 pennies in the pound) The money was paid to Mr. John Stephenson of Throston. Witness George Gent. Parish Clerk of Hart. The above sum of money Viz. £7-10-00 was drawn out of the hands of Mr John Stephenson on the 17th June 1795 and applied to the payment of the church rate for the year ensuing .
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Early print showing the shortened chancel, the porch, and wooden window frames. The ivy is just starting to grow. 1805/6 CHANCEL The old chancel, “a very ancient building” which was in a decayed state had measured 39’3” by 17’6” was rebuilt 25’ long by 17’6” wide. East end was rebuilt completely. The lead roof was replaced with Westmoreland slate. (Lead roofs frequently caused problems due to their heavy weight (the lead used was often an inch in thickness) which caused the roof timbers to sag and walls to bulge outwards due to the immense lateral pressure. These changes were financed by the re-use of materials from the demolished part of the chancel and by sale of the lead from the old roof. (Faculty granted)
1808 VICAR until 1811 Rev George Hewer George Hewer was the son of Edward Hewer of Hole, and was baptised at Castle Sewerby in 1748. He was ordained Deacon in 1771 and priest at Carlisle in 1772. Previously he had been a school master at Cornhill in Northumberland before coming as Curate to Hart in 1772. William Herrison was Curate of Hartlepool in 1777. Thomas Wilton, who was baptised at Middleton, Kirby Lonsdale and ordained Deacon in August 1772 at Carlisle, became Curate of Hart in 1778 at a salary of £35-00 and had the use of a room in the vicarage. George Gent was Curate in 1778 and George Metcalf was Curate in 1798.
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1811
VICAR until 1845 Rev. Edward Moises Edward the son of the Reverend Edward Moises of Masham was born in 1763. He was admitted Sizar at Trinity College, Cambridge in 1779, was matriculated in 1780 and became a scholar by 1782. He was granted a B.A. in 1783 and an M.A. in 1787. Edward was headmaster of Newcastle Grammar School from 1787 to 1828. Master of the Virgin Hospital 1806 and Lecturer at All Saints Newcastle (1798-1816) He was ordained priest in 1811 and became Vicar of Hart in the same year. In 1788 he married Mary, daughter of John Bowes surgeon of Bedale. During his incumbancy there was a heated and protracted argument regarding the allocation of pews and was finally ended by a committee resolving the problems. A sign of the changing times is shown by an entry in the burial register for 1834. An illegitimate child was killed by being run over by a wagon on the rail track. Another of his flock dropped dead in Hartlepool Brewery. Edward Moises died in Newcastle on the 29 th. March 1846 and was buried at All Saints, Newcastle. Presented the large silver paten and the 1842 silver chalice.
1820-1830 GEORGE 1V King of Hanover.
King.
1822
BELLS In the 16th Century the records show there were two bells in the tower. In the Churchwardens books for 1795 it is recorded that one broken bell was sold (see above 1795). One was recast in 1822 and two new bells installed. The treble bell has the inscription “Watson plumber etc., Newcastle 1822. The tenor bears the name R. Watson Newcastle 1822. The third bell has the inscription “Watson plumber etc.,.Newcastle 1822 (same as the treble). Sir George Pocock paid for the third bell to be recast in 1822. It was probably the one remaining bell mentioned in the 16th century. Sir George Pocock donated a new tenor bell in 1822. Treble Bell By public subscription from the land owners at Hart.1822 The 3 bells in the tower belfry were re-tuned and refurbished by the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in 1822 1) Sir George Pocock 1822 had the original bell recast. 2) Tenor Bell presented by Sir George Pocock 1822. 3) Treble Bell purchased by public subscription from the land owners at Hart. Hart church has a unique swing chime of bells. They are the only set of three bells by the founder Robert Watson of Newcastle. In 1822 at the time the Bells were cast Watson’s premises were at 19, High Bridge Street in Newcastle upon Tyne. The first Watson to cast a bell was John in 1811 followed by Robert (1817-1848) and finally Henry and Sons (from 1875-1878). Between them they cast a total of 47 bells of which 39 are still in existence. They advertised the family firm as Watson-plumbers and sanitary engineers. Hence the inscription.-Robert Watson. Plumber. Newcastle. They made the flush cisterns that were always high up on the wall of old toilets and other general foundry items to do with plumbing. Although it is not known exactly when the Whitechapel Bell foundry hung them for swing chiming (circa late 60’s early 70’s) as they were originally hung for full circle ringing.. It is probable they were in a derelict condition with some concern about the stability of the frame. There is a fourth pit for another bell and it might be possible top fit two bells into the space in that pit which would give a ring of five bells. The oak bell frame is probably of medieval date-certainly pre-18th century-although some of the repaired pieces may be later.
1827
CHURCH RESTORED The post reformation ideal for churches reached its peak in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Preaching and teaching became paramount. The pulpit replaced the altar as the centre piece of the church with the pews arranged to face it. In the late 16th. and 17th. century the wooden communion table was carried through from the chancel. The chancel was more or less redundant having been relegated to being a store house for the communion table. A movement started in the17th. century “the Beauty of
19
Holiness” thought churches had become too colourless, but their activities were suppressed by the austerity of the commonwealth period. The movement, however, spurred on by Bishop Cosin championed the fitting of much decorative woodwork in churches following the restoration of the monarchy in 1660. One result of the movement was the return of the communion table to the place under the east window of the chancel vacated by the medieval stone altars. The chancel was still only used for communion which at that time was only 4 times a year. Wooden panels on which were painted religious texts and the commandments were placed on the walls to replace the wall paintings of earlier times. These old panels are stored in the first floor of the tower. New box pews, (to the nave only) moving the pulpit, new reading desk, elevating the floor, flagging and flooring the aisles, repairing the porch and the footbridge over the beck. Erecting new gates and stile into the churchyard. Removing the font and painting the pews, reading desk and gates. (At this time a black tombstone was also raised to the new height retaining only a Maltese Cross at each of its four corners.) Work agreed by Ms. George. Stonehouse and Joshua Emmerson of Durham for the sum of £146-9s7d. (For the full specification see appendix). The pews were apportioned, various farmers claimed pews, including the Stephensons of Brewery Farm and the Richardsons of North Hart. However 33/37 seats were reserved for the poor of Hart and Elwick. (See appendix) 1830
Pocock’s son sold Hart to William Henry, Marquis (later Duke) of Cleveland.
1830 - 1842 DUKE of CLEVELAND owned the HART ESTATE. 1830-1837 WILLIAM 1V King of Hanover.
King.
1837-1901 VICTORIA Empress of India.
Queen.
1838
SCHOOL Hart school was built in 1838 by the Duke of Cleveland for the village children..
1840
TYPHUS OUTBREAK.
1842-1873 Sir FREDERICK ACKLOM MILBANK owned the HART ESTATE. 1843
Report on the Interior.
Sir Stephen Glynne reported “the windows have lost nearly all of their tracery and the interior as being spoiled by hideous coats of whitewash alternating with lamp black which barbarously disfigures the arches and walls.” 1845 VICAR until 1872 Rev. William Gorst Harrison. William was educated at Trinity College Cambridge. where he was granted a B.A. in 1831 and an M.A. in 1834. He was ordained Deacon in 1829 by the Archbishop of York and priest in 1831 by the Bishop of Durham. When William came to Hart in 1845 the living was worth £238-plus free rent of the house. He left Hart to become Rector of Easington.
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1850
VOLTIGEUR Derby winner owned by Mr. Robert Stephenson of the Manor House Hart.
1861
Historian D.H. Haig argues that Hart is the site of Hrothgar’s Palace in Beowulf’s Saga.
1872
VICAR until 1881 Rev. John Stewart. John was educated at Trinity College, Dublin where he was granted a B.A. in 1847. He was ordained Deacon in 1848 and priest in 1849 at Durham. He officiated at various Irish Parishes until 1859 when he became Curate of Bermondsey. He was Rector of Gautby near Horncastle from 1868 to 1872.
1872
ORGAN Prior to the introduction of the organ and choir of children, the Procters (five brothers) rendered great service to the church. Three of the brothers furnished the instrumental music, playing clarinet, fiddle and bassoon while the other two were vocalists. A table was set for them, in the chancel and when the time came for the psalms, the old women went to the vestry to warm their fingers and toes, the instrumentalists walked from their pews to the chancel and returned to their places at the conclusion. The first organ was supplied and installed new in the chancel by R.Postill of York. At this time a plastered ceiling had been installed in the church supported by uprights down the centre of the nave The pulpit was situated to the north of the chancel arch.
1872
November 27th. The estates of Hart, Hutton Henry and Hurworth were put up for auction at the Queens Head Hotel, Pilgrim Street & Grey Street, Newcastle.
1873
24th July a further auction sale of the estates was held at the Royal Hotel, West Hartlepool, where Mr. Page, Page Seymour bought Hart Manor Farm.
1873-1918 PAGE PAGE (SEYMOUR) owned the HART ESTATE. 1881
1881
VICAR until 1891 Rev. Thomas Aldridge Thorne Thomas was educated at St. Aidens Durham in 1875 and was ordained Deacon in 1877 and priest 1878 at Durham. He was curate of Newe (1877-1879) and of Ryton-on-Tyne with St. Johns, Grenside (1879-1881) Rev. Thorne was heavily involved in restoration works. He gave the window above the altar, also the commemorative stone just inside the door to the church on the left. WINDOW.
East window above the altar. (A thank offering from T. Aldridge Thorne Vicar
Window above the altar
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1884 /5 CHURCH RESTORED. Plaster removed from the walls. False ceiling removed and uprights in the centre aisle removed. 1885
WINDOW. Window in the Tower made by Baguely of Newcastle. (Donated by the choir and their friends.)
1885
FONT Ornate octagonal font recovered from the vicarage garden and repaired.
1885
ORGAN. Rebuilt by Postill of York to remedy defects caused through damp.
1886
RE-SEAT and RE-FLOOR CHURCH. Vestry Meeting. (1886.) In consequence of the rotten and decayed state of the woodwork in general of the church of Hart it was resolved to re-seat and relay the floor of the church and obtain new a pulpit ,and prayer desk and porch as soon as the necessary funds were obtained and the Revd. Thomas Aldridge Thorne was requested to undertake the collection of the sum, estimated cost £436-00. The sum of £250-00 had been raised and the remaining portion would be raised by further subscription and a sale of work. The seating would be increased from 241 to 256, an increase of 15 seats. Divine service would be conducted as usual, only half of the church would be interfered with at one time. Faculty granted December 1886 to the Rev. T.A. Thorne, John Richardson and Robert Darling to re-seat and relay the floor and to provide a new pulpit, reading desk and porch.
1888
PATRONAGE. Patronage passed from the crown to the Bishop of Durham. This probably accounts for the extensive renovations that were undertaken in 1888/89
1888
ORGAN. The organ in the chancel was moved some feet westwards away from the altar, but remained in the chancel.
1888
WINDOW South Aisle facing south. R.&A. Boutflour of Whelly Hill.
1888
WINDOW North Aisle facing north. Proctors of North Hart.
1888
WINDOW The Lancet window in the south aisle facing west.was glazed by Baguely of Newcastle. The window was donated by Mrs M. Herring in memory of her sister Mary. The Lancet window with nail head ornamentation dating back to the 13th. century would be installed when the south aisle was added to the nave. It may have been salvaged from the south wall of the nave when it was demolished for the new south aisle and rebuilt into the west wall of the new south aisle. It is possible that the piscina was reset at the same time.(see 14 Century)
1888-91 CHURCH RESTORED INCLUDING NEW PULPIT AND RESEATING. (Commemoration tablet at west end of church) Pulpit donated by Mrs W..A. Wooler Sadberge Hall 1889. Vicar’s desk donated by Mr. B. and Miss M Stafford of Elwick 1889. All the old wooden windows were removed (and presumably the present mullions substituted) the floor was lowered 3’ to its original level and the nave re-seated. For the first time seating was introduced to the north and south aisles. Altar rails were fitted and the choir fronts renewed.
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1891 VICAR until 1914 Rev. Ebienezer Powell Henry was educated at Hatfield Hall Durham in 1880. He was ordained Deacon in in 1880 and priest in 1882 at Durham. He was curate of Dalton le Dale (1880-1891). He was the first incumbent to be presented to the Bishop of Durham following the transfer of the Advowson from the Crown to the Bishop. 1898
FURTHER RESTORATION. Works included “lower part of Chancel floor, remove pulpit to south side of church, open out blocked window (on North of Chancel) , erect reredos and panelling in chancel, provide new altar rails and credence table, lay a passage in the chancel with paving, place new choir fronts, one seat in the chancel, remove prayer desk to the north side of the chancel and to move the organ out of the chancel.�
1898
ORGAN Organ overhauled by Nelson of Durham (Brass plate on organ) ALTAR RAILS Altar rails and choir stalls etc. made by Taylerson of Hart. ALTAR STONE Altar stone found outside the east end of the chancel, in the churchyard which had been removed and discarded in the reign of Edward V1. The entire surface of the altar consists of a single slab of stone, 78 inches long, 29 inches wide.This is set into a carved oak altar table with five small Maltese crosses carved into the surface, one at each corner and one in the centre. Originally they would be picked out in lead, and some of the crosses show slight remains of this. If they were connected by lines, they would form a cross shaped like an X. This is the symbolic image of the Five wounds of Christ, which were the wounds he suffered during the crucifixion, and which became the symbol of English Catholics during the 200 years or so of their persecution. The top two crosses depict the wounds of the nails in his hands, the bottom two the wounds in his feet, and the central one the wound in his side, where a Roman soldier pierced him with a spear to determine whether he was dead or alive. Over time, the central wound has come to be represented by his heart instead of that spear wound, and from this there developed a separate symbol known as the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In Catholic Churches the altars have always been made of sto
1898 1898
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No other medium, such as wood could be used and so during the Penal Times and Reformation when Catholic priests in this country travelled undercover upon their secret missions saying mass and administering the sacraments in private houses, they carried small portable altar stones. These were about the size of a modern paper back book, say 8 inches by 6 inches (20x15 cms.) but were essentially made from stone with the Five Wounds of Christ endorsed in the form of those five crosses. An essential part of an altar, however, and indeed an equally essential part of a portable altar stone, was that each must contain the relic of a saint. Contrary to what the Puritanical reformers believed, this was not necessarily a piece of human bone . More than likely it would be a strand of thread from a garment or some other tiny item that could be accommodated. In the case of a portable altar stone, such a relic had to be very tiny indeed and there is little doubt that such stones contained, say a single hair or thread of cotton from a saint’s clothing. Window in the north wall opened out, implying either undocumented 19th century changes or the restoration of a window in a section of medieval fabric left undisturbed in 1806 1898
WINDOW North window in the chancel. Thomas and Charlotte Johnson.
1901-1910 EDWARD V11 Emperor of India.
King.
1910-1936 GEORGE V Emperor of India
King.
1914 until 1918 FIRST WORLD WAR. 1914
VICAR until 1927 Rev. John Casson Douglas. John was awarded a B.A. in in 1892 and an M.A. in 1895. He was ordained Deacon in 1899 and priest in 1900 at Durham. He was Curate of Callivley Co. Durham (1899-1904) of Tanfield (1904-1910) and of Hartlepool (1910-1914). Rev. Douglas organised the erection of the World War 1 memorial on the wall of the south aisle.
1918
WINDOW South aisle facing south. Great war 1914-1918 memorial window in the “Art and Crafts” style. (Faculty granted) 1918
WAR MEMORIAL. Carved oak war memorial in the south aisle. Erected by the parishioners.
Interior about 1900. Note the organ has been moved out of the chancel.
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1921
BRASS MEMORIAL TABLET New brass tablet installed in the south aisle to the memory of Emily Thompson. (Faculty granted.)
1921
HOLY TABLE New Holy table, brass cross etc.. (Faculty granted.)
1927
VICAR until 1935 Rev. Christopher Stockdale Wilson Christopher was educated at St. Bees, Durham in 1881. He was awarded a B.A. in 1888 and an M.A. in 1891. He was ordained Deacon in 1883 and priest in 1884 at Durham. He was curate of Consett (1883-1899) St Edmund’s Gateshead, (1899-1900) Dunstan (1900-1902) and of Sedgefield (1902-1903) Christopher was Vicar of Stanley (1903-1927)
1927
ORGAN Repaired by F.O. Ward of Middlesbrough. (Brass plate on organ.)
1928
Sir Frederick Milbank (Bart) was approached to sell land to the church for the “new” graveyard.
1929
Privet hedge planted round the “new” churchyard.
1929
Mr Brewis (owner of the Manor Farm) gave the land to the west entrance to the church, for a small acknowledgement of one shilling per year. Payment continued until he sold the farm in 1938 to Durham County.
1930
ROOF OF NAVE and AISLES. The roof of the nave and the aisles were 18th century but were in such a serious condition they had to be restored at a cost of £530-00 (Church records) All the main timbers of the roof had to be replaced due to the ravages of the death watch beetle and other causes. The value of the salvaged lead paid for the replacement lead, as the old lead had a very high silver content. (Fred Johnson, Hutton Henry).
1931
The vicar reminded the P.C.C. that the washing of the minister’s surplus was a legal charge to be defrade by the P.C.C.
1932
A deep drain was dug in the “new” churchyard to drain off the surplus water at a cost of ten Shillings.
1932
The Sherwood family presented a Litany desk and a pair of brass flower vases in memory of their parents the late Mr. John E. Sherwood (Church warden 1916-1923) and Mrs Esther Sherwood. Estimated cost £15-6-00. (Faculty granted.)
1935 VICAR until 1938 Rev. Harold Heatley Dobinson Harold was awarded the Military Cross in 1918. In 1927 he became a Licentiate of Theology at the Anglican Theological College, British Columbia. Harold was ordained Deacon and Priest in 1927 at New Westminster. He was incumbent of Marpole (1927-1928), headmaster of Government Provinces School, Fiji Islands (1920-1930). Curate of Darlington (1932-1934) Vicar of Hart (1935-1938) of St. Thomas Brightside (1938-1942) Chaplain to the forces (R of O 1939-1943) He was mentioned in despatches in 1940. He was Perpetual Curate of Stoney Middleton (1942-1947) Baslow (1947-1961) and of Eryholme from 1961. 1936
Edward V111 abdicated.
1936-1952 GEORGE V1 Emperor of India. 1936
King.
Introduction of a new oak litany desk. (Faculty granted.)
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1936
CENTRAL HEATING. Introduction of central heating system, to replace the “ugly and inefficient combustion stoves in the church.” Proposal to install a low pressure hot water heating apparatus consisting of 7 radiators with necessary pipes designed to maintain a minimum temperature of 55F when the outside temperature is 32F, a generating plant, a small boiler house sunk 6 feet in the ground at an inconspicuous corner of the church.
1936
Tender from J.E. Taylorson for boiler house 6’ x 5’6” Estimated cost £17.14.00 Tender from Homo Metals for the installation of the heating system £107.10.00 Greatham Street, West Hartlepool. (Faculty granted) ELECTRIC LIGHTING. Electric lighting installed. Cost about £75-00. Also installed in the school and the vicarage at the same time. Engineer. Edgar Phillips, 22-28 John Street, West Hartlepool. (Faculty granted.)
1938 VICAR until 1942 Rev. Thomas Bertram Weatherall Thomas attended Mirfield College 1903. He was awarded a B.A.at Leeds University 1907 ordained Deacon in 1909 and Priest in 1910 at Durham. He was curate of St. Andrew, Monkwearmouth (1909-1911) Tow Law (1911-1935) Rector of Jarrow Grange (1935-1938) and Vicar of Hart (1938- 1942)
1938
Mr. Robert Brewis sold the Manor Farm, to Durham County Council for the sum of £11,000who divided the land into 35 smallholdings. The Manor House was demolished as unsafe. This was the end of the Manor Farm.
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1939
New red carpets fitted into the church by Ms. Binns Ltd..
1939 until 1945 SECOND WORLD WAR. 1940 until 1947 Prisoner of war camp established on the Manor Farm. 1943 VICAR until 1957 Rev. Raymond Arnold Christopher Bosley Raymond was educated at Egerton Hall, Manchester 21927. He was ordained Deacon in 1931 and priest in 1934. He was Curate of St. Mary’s at Bridlington (1931`-1933) Rector of St. Bartholomew’s Salford (1936- 1942) and Elwick Hall from 1942. He was curate in charge of Hart from 1943. The livings of Elwick Hall and Hart were combined in 1953. He resigned due to an anonymous letter being received by the Bishop of Jarrow who had accepted it. 1943
The church was “blacked out” for the duration of the war. (Proposed by Mrs Barker and seconded by Mr. Allan.) Work done by Ms. Binns Ltd..
1944
September 30th. 73 German prisoners of war attended Harvest Festival Service.
Aerial photograph of the prisoner of war camp. (1947) Note the Nissen huts round the farm buildings
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1944
The ivy was stripped from the church.
1944
20th October, the remainder of the Hart Estate was sold by auction at the Grand Hotel, West Hartlepool.
1945
WINDOW. South window in the chancel. 1939-1945 war memorial window.
1948
NEW STAINED GLASS WINDOW North window in the chancel. (Faculty granted.)
1949
ORGAN Manual air blower for the Postill organ replaced by an electric fan Church Wardens :- W. Darling, E.J Clarke, J. Barrone. Rector :R.A.C. Bosley.
1951
LIGHTNING CONDUCTOR. Fitted to tower.
1951
VICARAGE. Bishop of Jarrow advised that no other vicar be allowed to reside in the present vicarage, due to its dilapidated condition.
19521952
ELIZABETH 11
Queen.
P.C.C. Meeting January 18th. Mr J.P. Carter- Diocesan secretary attended. Mr Carter informed the council of the proposal to unite the parishes of Hart and Elwick Hall and reminded the council of the present position and difficulties in the two parishes The unity would be a great help in the problem of the new parsonage house, as it would enable the monies of the two parishes to be combined to provide a more substantial amount instead of the two smaller funds. The council discussed the matter and finally in a motion made by Mr T. Hansell and seconded by Mrs Barker, accepted the proposal to unite the two parishes, adding a rider provided the new parsonage house be built at Hart. This was passed unanimously.
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1953
UNION of BENEFICES. Union of the benefice of Hart with the benefice of Elwick Hall. (London Gazette 7th. August 1953 in the court at Buckingham Palace.) Subject to a new parsonage being built at Hart.
1953
PARSONAGE HOUSE (VICARAGE). Provision of a new parsonage house, from funds generated by the sale of the old house.
1954
PARISH BOUNDARIES. West view to be excluded.(agreed by the P.C.C.)
1957
VICAR until 1963 Rev. Ernest Malcolm Sidebottom. Ernest was awarded a B.A. by Durham University in 1949 and an M. Luitt. In 1956. He attended Queens College Birmingham in 1949 and was ordained Deacon in 19521 at Durham and priest at Jarrow in 1952. He became curate of St. John Greenside (1951-1954) Seaton Carew (in charge of St. James, Owton Manor 1954-1957) He became Vicar of Hart and Elwick Hall in 1957 -1963. He moved to become Vicar of Grindleton, Bradford in 1963.
1957
HEATING BOILER. Replaced (Archdeacon’s certificate.)
1959
REPAIRS TO WINDOWS. (Faculty granted.)
1959
ALTAR FRONTAL CLOTHS. Introduction of new altar frontal cloths and pulpit falls. (Faculty granted.)
1959
WAFER BOX. New silver wafer box. (Faculty granted.)
1960
GENERAL REPAIRS. (Faculty granted.)
1961
OIL BOILER Replaced (Faculty Granted))
1963
VICAR until 1973 Rev. Dennis Townend Eastwood Canon Eastwood was born in 1905. He was awarded a B.A. at Manchester University in 1929 and attended Wells Theological College also in 1929. He was ordained Deacon in 1930 and priest in 1931 at Manchester. He was curate of St. Paul Bury (1930-1936) St. James Accrington (1934-1936) Perpetual Curate of St. Paul, Bury (1944-1963). He was Vicar of Hart and Rector of Elwick from 1963 to his retirement in 1973. He not only took a great interest in his parishioners, but also great delight in the treasures belonging to the church.
1963
CHURCH WARDENS’ STAFFS Two staffs fastened to the pews in the nave. Engraved plate, donated by Mr. Frank Brown. 1966
1963
BRASS VASES. Two brass vases. (in memorial window) In memory of sapper John Gething died 22nd March 1963. One from the family and one from friends and neighbours Hart Village. (Faculty granted.)
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1966
WEST WALL IN VESTRY. Completely rebuilt.
Vestry window before the wall was rebuilt. West wall of Vestry being rebuilt.
1967/8 Organ re-sited at the back of the church. (Faculty granted.) Completely overhauled by William Clapperton of Dunston on Tyne and moved to its present position in the west end of the church to the north of the tower entrance. Cost ÂŁ750-00. ÂŁ500-00 donated by Mrs Jenny Alton in memory of her husband T. Alton of Holm Lea, Elwick. (Northern Echo December 1967and on brass plate on organ)
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Mr W.M. Clapperton ages 73 at work repairing, rebuilding the organ in its new position at the back of the church
1974
1977
VICAR until 1980 Rev. James Leach Wall. James Wall was born in 1919, ordained Deacon in 1964 and ordained Priest in 1965. He became incumbent of Hart and Elwick in 1974. He played a major part in the restoration of St. Mary Magdalene Church during the 1970’s. He took his last service on St. Andrew’s day (30th. November) 1980.
BELL TOWER. Bell tower restored, bells re-hung, walls pointed and bell chamber floor replaced..
Bell frame stiffened with steel beams, spanning east-west close to the north and south walls and picking up the ends of the upper frame members. Faculty application 3rd. March 1977. Cost £14,000-00 (Faculty dated 30th March 1977 granted.)
Note the steel girder in the background
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1981 PARAPETS REPAIRED. Extensive repairs to the walls and parapets of the church. Parapets removed and interlocking steel bars inserted into the space between the inner and outer leaves of the top of the walls. Concrete in-filled to form a “corset” to reduce the “spread” of the church walls. Parapets replaced and new coping stones installed as necessary. Extensive pointing and stones replaced right round the church. Cost £80,000.
Church parapet showing re-inforcement before the concrete poured.
Parapets Replaced.
1981
VICAR until 1985 Rev. George Alexander Howe. George Howe was born in 1952 and was educated at St. John’s College, Durham (1973) and Westcott House, Cambridge (1973). He was ordained Deacon in 1975 and priest in 1976.He was Curate of Peterlee (1975 -1979) and of St. Mary’s Norton (1979 -1981) before moving to Hart and Elwick in 1981. He was part of the chain for the journey of miners’ lamps celebrating the 1300th. anniversary of St. Cuthbert. In 1985, he left Hart to become Rector of Sedgefield.
1982/3 ROOF OF NAVE AND AISLES. Replaced with stainless steel following theft of lead. Estimated cost £18,983-00 raised by fund raising and grants. Builder:- Norman and Underwood, Leicester. Vicar G. Howe, Church wardens. F. Brown and N. Abram. (Faculty granted.)
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1982
REPAIRS TO STAINED GLASS WINDOWS. Vestry window, repaired in place. East window- take out middle section of left hand light, replace broken head, part re-lead and re-affix 1914 Memorial window-remove broken squares of stained glass, renew and re-fix. 1 head, 1 Angel’s head, 1 pale blue variegate. Contractor Elderson, Walker, Millican Ltd., Gateshead. (Faculty granted.)
1982
All windows protected with Polycarbonate (Lexon) fitted with bronze
clips. Faculty granted.
1983
HYMN BOOKS. New hymn books donated by Mrs Hilda Payne in memory of her husband .
1984 Road from the Chare, levelled and surfaced with block paving. West wall of Vestry being rebuilt.
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1985
VICAR until 2009. Rev. John Edward Lund John was born in 1948 and educated at St. John’s College, Durham (1978) He was ordained Deacon in 1980 and priest in 1981. He was curate of Peterlee (19811983)and showed a marked throw back to pluralism by being from 1983 to 1985 Curates of Bishopton with Great Stainton of Redmarshall, and of Grindon with Stillington. He was instituted by the Bishop of Jarrow and Inducted by the Archdeacon of Aukland as Vicar of Hart and Rector of Elwick Hall in 1985. He had a lifelong interest in rowing, being a founder member and 1st. Captain of the Seslet Rowing Club in 1977-1978. John was a member of the winning coxed fours for long distance rowing. 1986 CARPET New carpet throughout the church, supplied by Ms. Binns Ltd., at a cost of £3,800-00. Gold in colour. Anonymous donation of £3,500-00 from “ A Lady recently deceased.” (Nurse Emily Cammack died 1984 aged 93. Lived in the “Nurses Cottage.) Minuted in the P.C.C. minutes dated 18th. September 1984. (Faculty granted.)
1987
PROCESSIONAL CROSS. Mr. S. Arthur donated the processional cross.
1987
MEMORIAL CABINET. 36”x 21”x18” Solid Oak. (Marshall Memorial Book Studios) In memory of John and Evelyn Barrone, Ernest Herbert, William Holley and Philip Ogden. (Faculty 3rd. September Vicar Revd. J. Lund. Cost £728-75) The book has 100 leaves, linen fibre paper, with guilded edges.
1987
TOWER Re-roofed in stainless steel. Faculty granted. 1987 Replacement of six elms and planting of oak saplings in churchyard.
1988 1989
INFORMATION RACK. Donated by the Brown family in memory of Mrs. Margaret Brown. PORCH GATES. New steel gates fitted.
1990
LADDER FOR THE TOWER. Installed.
1993
PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEM. (Faculty granted.)
1994
WINDOW South Aisle facing East St. Mary Magdala Window (Donated by the family of Mrs. Alice James of Nine Acres who died in 1994.) (Faculty granted.)
1995
DRAINS. New field drains installed from the porch and north west chancel to the “Fish Pond” field.
34
Mr. Frank Brown installing the field drain.
Bob Johnson checking the surface water.
Inspection/intercept chamber.
1995
ALTAR RAIL (Faculty granted.)
1995
EXPLORATION BORE FOR CHURCHYARD. See minute dated 13th June 1995. Bore holes drilled in excess of 7 metres. No limestone reached. Water Company prepared to give permission. Planning approved 30th August 1995.
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1995
DONATATION. £500-00 given from the Rev. Canon Eastwood’s estate.
1995
ALARM Alarm fitted in the church.
1996
KITCHEN. Fitted kitchen and earthen ware sink. (Bob Johnson) (Faculty Granted)
1996
DRAINS. Field drain round the tower installed. (Mr. F. Brown)
1998
CENTRAL HEATING. Complete new central heating system and boiler installed by Ms. Universal Heating Services (Peter F.Ryder, Historic buildings consultant.) (Faculty Granted) ORGAN Overhauled. (Faculty granted.)
1998
1998
PEW CUSHIONS. New pew cushions made by Mrs S. McCall (Donation from Mrs D. A Johnson.)
1999
MEMORIAL GARDEN Constructed by John Gatenby, Frank Brown, David Robinson and Bob Johnson.. Hartlepool planning consulted. Planning not required. (Faculty applied for by Rev. J. Lund. Granted.) Recorded in the 12th January 1999 P.C.C. minutes.
John Gatenby constructing the foundation for the memorial garden.
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David Robinson checking the gravel on the new field drains
Memorial Garden completed.
The Consecration of the Memorial Garden
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1999
PARISH BOUNDARIES. Alteration of the Parish boundaries of St. Mary Magdalene, St. Luke and Holy Trinity.
2002
HEATING SYSTEM Heating system upgraded. (John Heslop, Elwick) (Faculty granted.)
2002
BOILER HOUSE. Tiled roof replaced with bituminous felt. 2002 ORGAN. “Postill” organ completely overhauled at a cost of £12,00000, with the benefit of grant aid from the Council for the Care of Churches, the Manifold Trust and others including the Church of England Buildings council . (David Knight conservation assistant) (Faculty granted.)
2002
HAND RAILS. Oak capped hand rails on brass balustrades from the nave to the chancel 1) In memory of:-Price Edward, Jane Bell and John Gething. 2) Donated by Arthur and Eileen Waterland (Engraved plate)
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2007
PORCH and CHANCEL ROOVES Lead theft from Porch roof and Chancel roof and guttering. Repaired by Wensley Roofing Ltd £5,381-49 (Paid by insurance.)
2009
CHANCEL ROOF. Completely overhauled and fitted with new Westmoreland slates. Grant from the Diocese of Durham. Work done by Wensleydale Roofing. Work organised by John Bain (church warden) (Faculty granted.) £18,996-00 plus V.A.T.
North side of the chancel roof
East end of the Chancel roof
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Mr .Frank Brown inspecting the new chancel roof
2008
VOTIVE CANDLE STAND. Situated in the east of the south aisle. Donated by Miss M. Rickatson and Mr John Davison.
2008
ELECTRIC PIANO New electric Piano installed in the North Aisle outside the vestry. Supplied by A. Bulley Seaton Carew Music.
2009
CURATE in CHARGE until 2011
2009
VESTRY. New vestry cupboards and wash basin. Fitted by M.G. Joinery of Hartlepool at a cost of ÂŁ1000-00. Donated by Margaret Sanderson and the Allison Charity.
2009
NOTICE BOARD. Oak framed notice board at the West end of the nave. Donated by Mrs Kath Darling in memory of her husband Frank. (Engraved plate).
2009
EXTERNAL NOTICE CABINET. Oak frame glazed cabinet. Situated on North wall of Manor Croft. Donated by Mrs Kath Darling in memory of her husband Frank. Paving stones laid under notice cabinet.
2009
Revd. John Lund retired. Vicarage offered to rent.
2009
WOODWORM All timber treated for woodworm.
2010
ALTAR FRONTAL CLOTH CABINET Oak cabinet installed outside the vestry in the north aisle, for the storage of the Altar frontal cloths. (Faculty granted.)
Rev. Janet Burbury.
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Donated by Mr George Sanderson in memory of his wife Margaret. 2010 ORGAN Awarded a certificate of grade 11 listing in recognition of it being a fine example of an instrument by Postill 1872. 19 th. June 2010 The British Institute of Organ Studies. Serviced by J. Lightbown June. 2010 GATES New gates fitted to the Church yard entrances. (Grant from Hartlepool Borough Council.) Made by Foster Laws. Galvanised with a white powder coat finish. (Faculty granted.)
Gate from the Car Park.
Gates from the Chare.
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2010 PATHS Path from the Chare remade and flagstones laid from the church to the footpath to the car park. (Faculty granted.)
2010 LITANY BOOK. Restored by Sir R. Norman. 2010 SIGN BOARD Sign board outside the church door replaced by Mason & Martin (Undertakers) 2010 STONE SEAT IN CHURCHYARD New stone seat installed in Church Yard by the Moore family. In memory of Billy Moore. (Faculty granted) 2010 GRAVEYARD EXTENSION. Field for graveyard extension. Tidied back. Rubbish moved. Confirmed planning permission granted and land consecrated. 2010 BELLS. Serviced, trunions greased, clappers adjusted by Howard E.J. Smith of Newcastle. 2010 VICARAGE. Vicarage rented October 1st 2010 2010 MEMORIAL STONES. All memorials in church yard entered and identified. 2011 GRIT BIN FOR PATHS. Grit bin purchased from Hartlepool Borough Council at a cost of £101.20. 2011 FLOOR. Repairs to floor, in the area of the lectern. Extensive, dry rot and wood worm 2011 SMOKE ALARMS. Smoke alarms fitted. Main door, vestry votive, candle stand.
2011 PEWS, PANELLING and REREDOS.
Loose pews and panelling re-fastened. Intricate fretwork on the Reredos re-glued. 2011
CHURCH PORCH SECURITY GATES. Refurbished by Foster Laws. Galvanised and epoxy polyester powder coated white finish. Cost £580-00.
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2011
INVENTORY. Comprehensive photographic inventory compiled of the church contents by Kane Young and Bob Johnson.
2011
MEMORIAL GARDEN All memorial stones re-laid on sand and gravel spread to keep the grass off them, by Thomas Moriarty, Alexander. Moriarty and Christopher. Johnson.
2011
GRAVEYARD EXTENSION. Levelled, seeded and rolled by Mr. F. Brown.
2011
BIBLE. Church King James authorised Bible (circa 1855) restored by Sir Ron Norman. (Originally the property of John Wetherall Hayes.)
2011
BURIAL RECORDS. Comprehensive record of all burials at Hart Church since the 16th century. (Compiled by Mrs Joan Carol of the Hart History group.) FLOOR REPAIRS.
2011
Repairs to the floor near the lectern. 2011
PORCH STONE ARCH External porch stone arch re-pointed and stabilised. (Bob Johnson)
.2011 July
2011 August
Rev. Janet Burbury appointed vicar of Hart.
Vicarage furbished for the Rev. J. Burbury
NOTE Different sources give differing dates for work done although all agree in details.
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A photogaphic list of the contents of the church is available in a separate leaflet.
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File C.R.J. Hart Church Events August 15 th2011
MEMORIALS IN THE CHURCH. In the Chancel. John Robson was buried in the Chancel at Hart Nov 20th1605. (Hart Parish Register.) Not known where this grave is.. Ornamental tablet on the south wall of the chancel next to the altar. Ellerker family. This monument was erected to perpetuate the memory of the Ellerker family who died at Hart. John Ellerker departed this life January 18th 1771 aged 80 years Susannah his wife died October 30th 1780 aged 82 years. Robert their son died January 25th 1783 aged 40 years. Elizabeth their daughter departed this life October 8th 1792 aged 62 years. Edward Ellerker the son of the above named John and Susanah Ellerker departed this life May 16 th 1816 aged 83 years. Three stones set in the floor between the altar and the altar rail. (Covered by the carpet.) 1) John Ellerker of Hart departed this life January 18th 1771 aged 80 years. 2) Susannah his wife who departed this life on October 30th 1780 aged 82 years. 3) Here lies the body of Mary Fenwick departed this life on the 9th October 1750 aged 50 years. NOTE. These graves were in the chancel before it was shortened in 1805 /6 Two memorial tablets set in the wall in the south aisle at the east end. 1) This monument was erected by John Scurfield of Stockton in gratitude to the memory of three worthy ancestors and a beloved wife whose remains are here deposited John Scurfield his grandfather. George Scurfield and Joanna his father and mother and Jane his wife who died the third day of November 1756 aged 42 John Scurfield died October 12th 1780 aged 70 years. 2) In memory of William Scurfield late of Coatham Mundeville in this County Esquire (Youngest son of William Scurfield of Newcastle upon Tyne Esquire, deceased) who departed this life on the 12th. day of March 1790 aged 34 years. also in memory of Dorothy widow of the above first named William Scurfield who departed this life on the 29th. day of May 1847 aged 91 years. Brass memorial plaque in oak frame fastened to the south aisle wall. To the glory of god and in loving memory of Emily Thompson for 35 years a faithful teacher in Hart School. Entered into rest Palm Sunday 1921. Carved oak War Memorial inscribed with names of villagers who were killed in the 1914-18 war. William Archibold Charles Alderson Arthur Robinson Samuel Paul Bastow James Norman Stamp Thomas Frederick Brock George Edward Newton Robert Darling M.C. Jackson Sweeting John Gasgarth William Rigg George Robert Harrison M.M. Charles Edward Mitchell Ernest Hindmarch M.M. and Bar Thomas Alfred McLean Henry Hutchinson Robert Taylerson. Richard Oliver McLean John George Walton Robert Kitching John Henry Walker 1914 Thomas William Fawcett 1919 This window and tablet were erected by the parishioners J.C. Douglas Vicar. Church Wardens J.E. Sherwood, T.M. Darling. Note in the church council meeting April 11th. 1922 annual meeting. Make enquiries concerning Archibald Allen who was killed in the war and whose name is not on the roll of honour in Hart Church. 1827 When the floor of the church was raised a black tombstone was also raised to the new height retaining only a Maltese Cross at each of its four corners. (this is a close description of the altar stone!)
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Not known whose grave this is or its location MEMORIAL WINDOWS. CHANCEL East window above the altar. Stained Glass window depicting The Crucifixion.. To the Glory of God. A thank offering from T. Alderidge Thorne Vicar. 1881 WORLD WAR 2 MEMORIAL WINDOW. South window in the chancel. Stained glass panel, depicting An angel and a book. In memory of Albert Edward Broomfield, John Henry Bloomfield, John Robert Cherry William Gilbert Dowson, Edward Jones, James Moore, Eric Alfred Ringwood, Who gave their lives in the world war 1939-1945 North Window in the chancel. Stained glass panel depicting To the Glory of God and our dear parents Thomas and Charlotte Johnson 1898. (Taught at Hart School) SOUTH AISLE Facing East Stained glass centre panel installed 1994. Clear windows either side. St. Mary Magdala Window. He appeared first to Mary Magdala. In memory of Mrs. Alice James, Nine acres died 1994. Facing South. Stained glass window depicting “Suffer the little children” and “come unto me” To the Glory of God and in memory of the little ones of R. & A Boutflour of Whelly Hill. 1888 WORLD WAR 1 MEMORIAL WINDOW. Facing South Stained glass window depicting Great War window. This stained glass window, in the Arts and Crafts style was erected as a memorial to the twenty one villagers who fell in the Great War 1914-18 Facing West Stained glass window depicting Mary at the feet of Christ Mary hath chosen that God part Donated by Mrs M. Herring In memory of her sister Mary Designed by J. Bagley of Newcastle. NORTH AISLE Facing East (Vestry window. Leaded clear glass) Facing North Leaded clear Glass Facing North Stained glass window depicting The good shepherd. In loving memory of the Proctors of North Hart. 1888 Facing West Leaded clear glass.
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VASES. 1 pair brass altar vases. 9 inches. 1) In memoriam Ester Sherwood 2) In memoriam John E. Sherwood. 1 pair brass vases. 8 inches tall 1) In memory of Sapper John Gething died 22nd March 1963 (In memorial window) 2) One from the family and one from friends & neighbours Hart Village. ALTAR CROSS. Altar centrepiece cross. Polished brass. 28½.inches high. In memory of Ann Stephenson 1831 -1896 and D.D.A.G. Mordey. Reredos ornately carved oak. Donated by R. &.A. Boutflour. LECTURN. Oak carved by the “Mouseman of Kilburn” (Carved mouse on stand.) Free standing on the altar for prayer book. The gift of Florence Dickenson 1965 (Teacher Hart School) ALTAR PRAYER DESKS. 2 oak desks with kneelers. 1) In memory of Mary Margaret Brown of Middlethorpe. 1918-1987 2) In memory of John Edwin and Esther Sherwood of Hart Oct 16 th. 1932. VICAR’S DESK. Vicars desk Carved oak.
A gift from Mr. B. and Miss M Stafford Elwick 1889.
MEMORIAL BOOK CABINET. Oak cabinet with safety glass top.
In memory of John & Evelyn Barrone Earnest Herbert. William Holley. Philip Ogden. By their family and friends December 1987.
MEMORIAL BOOK. 100 leaves linen fibre paper with guilded edges Kept in the above case. Donated in memory of William Holley 26th September 1987 by his wife and family. VESTRY CUPBOARDS. “Shaker” design cupboards. Donated in memory of Margaret Sanderson with the Allison Charity Modern hand basin and mixer tap Donated by Mr. and Mrs. J. Davison. ANTIQUE DESK with two side drawers. (restored 2010) This desk was given by the Duke of Cleveland to the village school in 1838 and later transferred to the new school. It was given to the church for preservation and kept in the tower until it was restored. PEW CUSHIONS. Gold damask cushions.
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Donated by Mrs D.A. Johnson.
PULPIT Pulpit .Carved Oak fixed to wall. A gift from Mrs W.A. Wooler, Sadberge Hall 1889. Fitted with microphone connected to main p.a. system HYMN NUMBER BOARD Light oak 5 spaces for hymn numbers.
Donated by Mr. S. Arthur.
VOTIVE CANDLE STAND Wrought iron votive candle stand for T lights. 5 tiered racks. Donated by Miss M. Rickatson in memory of her mother and Mr J. Davison in memory of his son 2008 Framed picture above votive candle stand. NOTICE BOARD. At the back of the church Oak surround. Green baize board. 59 inches X 41 inches. In memory of Frank Darling.
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ALMS BOX. At the back of the church
Donated by Mr. and Mrs J. Davison.
HAND RAILS. Two hand rails from centre aisle to the chancel. Brass spindles with oak hand rail. 1) In memory of Price Edward, Jane Bell and John Gething. by Price, Barry, David and Elizabeth 2003. 2) Donated by Arthur and Aileen Waterland. 2003. SILVER. (Kept in safe.) 1 Chalice of 1571 with the maker’s mark HW between a pellet and star. No inscription. 1 Chalice. of 1842-3 Inscribed:- Presented to Hart Church by the Rev. Edward Moises A.M. (Vicar)Easter 1844 1 small paten 5½.inches diameter without date letter but with the Newcastle mark and initials DL. Inscribed:- Hart Church. 29th. November 1813. I large paten. Of 1784 -5, made by John Huitson, London 7 inches diameter. Inscribed:- Presented to Hart Church by the Rev. Edward Moises. A.M. Vicar Easter 1844 Wafer box. Inscribed:- In treasured memory of Hilda Henson 1898 -1975. Flagon. Modern Plated 6½.inches high 4¾.diameter 2 decanters with silver stoppers, topped with silver crosses. 2 decanters with glass stoppers. CHURCH WARDENS STAFFS. 2 Church Wardens’ Staffs. Wooden staff surmounted by a brass cross above a brass ball. 69 inches long. “Two churchwardens’ staffs given in loving memory of John Robert & Violetta Brown by son Frank & Evelyn Brown of North Hart Dedicated 1963”. ALMS BASONS. I Brass 15 inches in diameter
Presented by Mrs W.B. Foster in loving memory of her father John Richardson, Naisberry, Churchwarden for 15 years, 1897. 2 oak turned wooden basons 13 inches in diameter. Donated by Mr. S. Arthur. A pair of antique walnut wooden basons. 8 inches in diameter. 2 turned wooden Basons (not a pair) 9 inches in diameter. BOOKS Litany Book Donated by John Edwin and Ester Sherwood. (Repaired by Sir R. Norman 2009.) Altar Services Gift in memory of Joseph Barker 1957. King James Bible donated by John Hayes 1855 (Repaired by Sir R. Norman 2011) ALTAR CLOTH STORAGE BOX. Purpose made altar cloth box by K. Perkins Ltd of Billingham. Donated in memory of M. Sanderson. ALTAR FRONTALS. White Green Purple Red. Gold FLAGPOLE. Fibre glass flagpole
in memory of Peggy Swain. in memory of Mrs G. Holley. in memory of Mr. S. Brown of Middlethorpe. In memory of Mr S. Arthur.
Donated by Mr J. Gatenby in memory of his mother Nora Gatenby. 1999.
SEAT IN SOUTH EAST GRAVEYARD AREA. In memory of Billy Moore 1927 - 2009 NOTICE BOARD. External notice board in memory of Frank Darling.
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MEMORIAL GARDEN Constructed by
Mr. J. Gatenby. 1999 Mr Frank Brown. Mr David Robinson. Mr. Bob Johnson. Seat in memorial garden. Dedicated to Frederick Brown 1922 - 1987. Olive Mary Brown. 1920 -1998 John and Connie Gething Harry and Ben Britcliffe. Paving stones purchased by individuals for paths. TREE. Tree behind the church against the north boundary wall between the graves, Barker and Mason In memory of Ted Fernie May 1920- September 1991 From his grandchildren:Michael and David Evans. Jessica and Kier Fernie. Also plaque on the ash tree against the west wall behind the tower. In memory of Ted Fernie May 1920- September 1991 From his grandchildren:Michael and David Evans. Jessica and Kier Fernie. This plaque was taken from the memorial tree which died and refastened to the ash tree which is of some age. PATH Path. Car park to church. Donated by Mrs Kitching. (towards invalid access) together with the Bell & Simpson Charities.. EXTERNAL A figure in armour, cut in relief slaying a dragon a cross upon the shield. On the south wall of the chancel.
On the south wall of the chancel there is a carving, said to date from the 15 th. century of a Knight spearing a dragon which is either St. Michael or St. George, most likely the latter. The carving is reported by Surtees in 1823 to be on the south chancel wall.
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