Rotary Club of Senlac - June 13

Our guide and historical tutor, Vicki Cook, commenced with an introduction which declared the Church was founded by Abbot Ralph, circa A.D. 1115, The Benedictine Abbey of St. Martin, built on the battlefield of the Norman conquest, established to serve the community.

Viewing commenced with sight of the Weeping Chancel, created to reflect Christ's head. The size of the chapel dates back to 1067, dedicated in 1095. Craft people and monks practised the principle of Benedictine silence. Norman pillars date back to A.D.1100. Crosses viewed are authentic depicting night crusaders. The chancel, was the centre for the monks to hold office within the Abbots stalls -- congregation not permitted to enter chancel. Services held in latin. Lady Chapel used as school room and court room (Dean able to solve problems). Abbey given Royal patronage, as for Chatsworth House. Bishop of diocese required to seek permission to enter church. To the north side of church stained-glass windows depict Saint's, in particular St. George; in the 1900's persons of distinction can be viewed, also biblical stories. Like Westminster Abbey, Sir Anthony Brown lies entombed in marble; as for all Knights of the Gartar, feet lay on a domestic dog and knees crossed indicates involvement with the Crusade. Due to possible intervention by Cromwell hands were cut off.

Of interest a Victorian gas lamp is viewed. Of old there were no chairs and no pews. The north isle, looking upwards reveals the 'squint window ' where lepers used to view services from outside.

A further window projects a vision of St John, St Peter and St James.

Early English, Norman, Perpendicular arches (different shapes) are viewed in full height looking upwards. Gleaming brass stands before one at the foot of chancel steps, an eagle about to take flight, dating back to 1880 and a Breaches Bible.

With neck leaning backwards, eyes upwards uncovered wall paintings, read right to left tell of St Margaret of Antioch.

A traditional wall painting, Last Judgement, once could be observed in chancel.

Towards the West door the Norman marble font, with oak cover (1115 '“ 1250), can be viewed from rising steps. To more modern times the Senlac Memorial window, 1984, tells the story of the Battle of Hastings. A fascination within the grounds of the Church is the gravestone of Isaac Ingall who lived to the age of 120 (photograph on wall, west door) and associated with Lady Webster, whose tombstone was turned around to indicate 2nd April, 1798, to reveal Isaac Ingall's passing.

From 1115 '“ 1450 history abounds and sights are an amazing trail of wonderment and centuries past. Rotarian and Past President Stuart Earl, offering the vote of thanks, spoke of a wonderful adventure eloquently presented by Vicki with humour, passion, knowledge and interest to capture every Rotarians attention.