St Mary's Church - High Bickington

Pew Ends

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High Bickington Bichentone/tona: kings land. 12 cattle.
Church with fine old bench ends; Norman arch and font. (Domesday book entry 1086).

Unfortunately the last sentence of the Domesday book record is taken from modern versions of the book where the last sentence has been added since the original (first sentence) entry.
It is known that the font and Norman arch were built around the early 12th century but as yet there is no clear evidence of when the pews were installed.

Indications are that the pew ends were installed at an early date. Some of the carvings depict the esentially pagan image of 'The Green Man', a strong representation of mans imortal tie with nature that featured strongly among agricultural communites from Saxon and pre-Saxon era's right up until the Christianisation of those peoples. As with many old Gods and traditions these have been integrated into the Christian faith with the pew ends in the church standing as testament to this.

To look at the aged and worm-eaten oak used for what are obviously the oldest pew ends, it is hard not to believe these were relics of the original church in its early post-paganism days. However, it is widely believed that early congregations in churches would have stood through the sermons with perhaps a single, simple bench for use by the infirm. But who is to say when it is obvious that High Bickington was a prosperous farming community ruled over by wealthy ladnowners including the church.

One pew end in particular, next to the organ, depicts tools(see below), and may well have been financed or crafted by an early member of the Masons. If this were true it may fit in well with the fact that the original church was financed with a grant by King Athelstan who is credited by some to have been one of the founding fathers of modern day masonry in England.

Whatever their age and origin one can only wonder at the dedication and work that went in to crafting these objects in what was a small rural community. Perhaps one day further research will provide answers?.....

In the meantime please view our gallery showing some of the pew ends mentioned.

 

Click Here to view the gallery!