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Magazines

The 34th Annual Dinner Of The Old Students

St Wilfrid's Church

The centre of any village life in years gone was always the Church and although no mention is made of a church at West Hallam in the Domesday Book it is fairly certain that some place of worship existed. In those days many of the smaller places were catered for by a mobile church which moved from village to village providing spiritual comfort for the inhabitants.

More than probably, however, the first permanent church was built by the de Cromwells in the early fourteenth century. This family held the advowson (or "patronage" is the right in English law of a patron (avowee) to present to the diocesan bishop a nominee for appointment to a vacant ecclesiastical benefice or church living) of the Rectory from the earliest historic mention of any church (in the twelfth century) until the male issue died out towards the end of the fifteenth century, when Thomas Powtrell of Thrumpton, Northamptonshire, purchased the manor.

At this time, and indeed for several hundred years, West Hallam was staunchly attached to the Roman Catholic faith, and the Powtrell family suffered severely for their adherence, especially during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. West Hallam Hall became a famous hiding place for Catholic refugees, being quoted in the State Papers as “Mr. Powtrell’s House called Westhalum, iiii miles [?] beyond Derby "

In 1638, as church patronage of Roman Catholics had been placed in the hands of the universities of Oxford and Cambridge, the Powtrells could not present, although they still owned the right, and the “Masters and scholars of Cambridge” appointed John Scargill to the living.

The Titus Oates plot did not leave the parish alone and, on the night of 16th March, 1680, Father George Busby, a relative of Mrs. Powtrell, was seized at the Hall and condemned at Derby assizes to be hung, drawn and quartered simply for being a Roman Catholic priest. This sentence was later commuted to one of banishment.

On Henry Powtrell’s death the estate and advowson passed to the Hunloke family, who sold each presentation to avoid the University statute until Francis Newdigate purchased both outright in 1821, thus the estate passed out of Romanist hands.

There is in evidence a list of Rectors and patrons dating from Henry, son of William Orseny, who was presented to the living in 1322, but this list does not appear to be complete. It is difficult to believe, for instance, that John Houghton was Rector from 1552 until 1630 - a period of seventy-eight years, although this is possible. It is, however, certain that Henry Greatorex had forty-eight years in office as his grandson, Daniel Greatorex, took over the living on his grandfather’s death in 1716.

St. Wilfrid’s Church, although actually consisting of many mixed styles and periods of architecture, become a blend of them all under careful restoration in 1855, and now presents the pleasant appearance of a well used and cared for church. Some of the stained glass of the Old Hall was placed in the East window.

High backed pews, whitewashed walls and flat plaster ceilings have gone, to no-one's regret. The chancel screen, erected about a century ago, has also gone and gives a more open and spacious appearance to the church.

The North arcade is Early English and probably dates back to about 1275. The tower was rebuilt by the Powtrell family, who spent much time and trouble in repairing the church fabric. It is believed by experts, who visited the church in 1821, that the windows originally contained much good and valuable painted glass. Judging by small remaining portions, the twelve lights of the clerestory windows were, no doubt, filled by the figures of the twelve apostles.

On the floor of the chancel was an alabaster slab, incised with a figure in plate armour and a long inscription in Latin. At one time this slab, a memorial to the first Thomas Powtrell, patron of the parish, who died on August 24th, 1484 stood on a raised tomb in the North-East angle of the chancel within the alter rails. From this and other stones all traces of brasses have gone, together with the bulk of any inscription. 

Against the North chancel wall is the tomb of Walter Powtrell, who died in 1598, and his wife, Cassandra. This is a costly monument with life-sized effigies resting upon it and with the family, quartered and impaled, all round it. Representations of the deceased children include one in grave clothes signifying her to have predeceased her parents.

The memorial slab to the Rev. John Scargill—known to every inhabitant of West Hallam although he died in 1669 - is now covered by the choir stalls on the south side and was disturbed in 1787 to allow the interment of the body of the Rev. Mr. William Clark, rector of this parish. No reason is given for this seeming desecration of the tomb of the munificent founder of the Scargill Schools, and the entry in the parish register throws no light on the subject.

In 1879 the tower contained a ring of six bells dating from 1618 to 1876, three of which were memorials to Rev. Charles J. Newdigate. Since then two more bells have been added.

An ancient font was discovered among rubble at the back of the Free Library buildings in the Wardwick, Derby, in 1878, and, following an enquiry started by the Derby Mercury, it was disclosed that this was probably used at West Hallam Hall by Father Campion and other Roman Catholic priests in hiding, for secret baptism. It bad no base, but was of eccentric and possibly unique design, and was thought to be the font of the ancient chapel of Mapperley, which had been presented to Derby Museum.             R.S.F.

The inclusion of the above article has caused a re-organisation in the intended layout of this issue which is a souvenir number to inaugurate the new magazine. The editor therefore apologises for the small proportion of local news promised to subscribers

The newly erected tablets commemorating the sacrifice of West Hallam parishioners in the 1939-1945 war will be dedicated on Friday. September 9th at 7.15 p.m. As many residents as possible are urged to attend the service and a special invitation is extended to all ex-service men and women.

The preacher at the Choir Festival. Rev. F. Nichols, is an old resident of the pariah and the choir will render anthems at both matins and evensong, among these being a special anthem for the boys alone. The afternoon service is the normal monthly children's service.

The Rector appeals for helpers on Saturday, October 1st, to decorate the church for the Harvest Festival and any gifts toward this decorating will be very welcome. In the afternoon the children will form a procession to the altar to bring their gifts in accordance with custom.

(Reproduced by courtesy of the Ilkeston Pioneer).

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