The initiative to compile records by NADFAS (National Association of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies) members started in 1973 in consultation with the Victoria and Albert Museum when it was recognised that the heritage in churches was under threat from many different factors: break-ins and theft, ignorance of what churches possessed, a general lack of interest and a lack of money to care for what they owned.
The original status of Church Recording within NADFAS was transformed when they renamed the Society to The Arts Society (London) and it was decided that it would no longer support this activity. A new, independent, society was then formed to provide the necessary technical support and quality control. It is aptly named The Church Recording Society! The East Herts Church Recording Team are now registered as Arts Society Volunteers and our Society (TASEH) continues to support their work by paying for their membership of the CR Society and for the production of the final Record.
Our latest project is at St Catherine's, Sacombe, one of three churches that make up the UBSMS (United Benefice of Standon, Mundens and Sacombe)
Here are our recent projects:
The Church of St Mary with St John, Hertingfordbury
The church at Hertingfordbury, (pictured) which was virtually rebuilt by the last Earl Cowper in the 1890s, is notable for two sumptuous 17th century tombs, various other interesting memorials and some fascinating floor slabs in the Chancel. One of these records the generous gifts of Walter Wallinger to the community in 1709 and those of his wife, Elizabeth, who bestowed a gilded chalice and paten to the church on her death, together with napkins, cloths, hangings (“All of Crimʃon Velvet”) a Bible and two books of Common Prayer. The heavily decorated chalice is not to everyone’s taste, although no doubt it was considered beautiful in the 17th century. Its very size and weight (1.6kg) make it totally impractical for modern use and it’s no longer stored in the church.
It’s always good fun for Church Recorders to uncover stories about past worshippers in the parish. Some of the interesting characters who lived in Hertingfordbury in the 17th century were investors in New World projects when new colonies were being founded down the east coast of North America. The charter for the establishment of Maryland was secured by George Calvert. He had converted from Roman Catholicism under Elizabeth I in order to secure public office and it seems that his prime concern was to establish places of refuge for other Roman Catholic families who were suffering persecution in the reign of James I. His wife, Anne, has a fine tomb chest in the Tower and one of his five sons became the first governor of Maryland. A kneeler commemorating the connection of the church with the state of Maryland was stitched as part of the project to provide kneelers and runners throughout the church. This project was the inspiration of Richard Hitch, a great friend of Hertingfordbury, and it’s a delight to study the design and colour schemes used.
The Church Recording Team will continue their work at Hertingfordbury into 2022 and always welcome visitors to view their work or to volunteer their time as new group members.
2020
No field work was undertaken at all during 2020 because of Lockdown restrictions. Church Recording work involves much rummaging into every nook and cranny of a church so in no way can it be regarded as Covid-secure!
St Mary the Blessed Virgin at Stanstead St Margaret’s
During 2019, the Church Recording Team worked at St Mary the Blessed Virgin at Stanstead St Margaret’s. This church has undergone extensive remodeling over its very long history and it wasn’t always straightforward to identify the sequence of its development. It is certainly a much-loved church. We were fortunate to receive enthusiastic support from the Clerk, Katrina Dukes and from the Vicar, Anne Donaldson. The record is now complete.
Further information about Church Recording:
What is a Church Record? A comprehensive list of all the different furnishings inside a Church (stained glass, wood carvings, silver, etc).
Who are Church Recorders? The people lucky enough to spend their time in churches exploring their treasures and uncovering the stories of the people who’ve worshipped there in the past.
Why are Records needed? To provide an accurate and complete inventory of a church’s contents and to help preserve the country’s rich artistic heritage.
What qualifications are needed? Absolutely none; merely a love of churches and an enthusiasm for on-going learning. Church Recorders work as a team, sharing their knowledge and expertise with one another. Occasionally an expert joins the Team for help in certain specialisms, eg heraldry, memorial inscriptions, textiles.
What sort of commitment is there? Church Recorders meet during the warmer months of the year to carry out field work in local churches.
What happens to Church Recordings? The final Record is broken down into nine different categories: Memorials, Metalwork, Stonework, Woodwork, Textiles, Paintings, Windows, Books and other items. V&A receives the completed copy of the Record, together with English Heritage, the Church Care Library, the County Record Office and, of course, the church.
Who should I speak to? Rosemary Davis is the Leader of the East Herts group. She would be delighted to welcome new members to the group as there is always work to be done. Her details are: Tel. 01279 419763 or rosemarydavis131@gmail.com