St Dunstan's Church History

The History of our Church

It is probable that there has been a church on this site since the 7^th century, going through many changes and alterations until it reached its present state. The first alteration to the old church as far as can be traced was undertaken probably by John Tyrrell, Lord of the Manor of Hunsdon, in approximately 1423 to 1428.

In AD 1447-1448 the Duke of York, father of Edward IV, transferred the Manor of Hunsdon to his then chamberlain, Sir William Oldhall. In 1450-1460 the church was practically rebuilt, except for he north and west wall and the tower. The south wall was pulled down and rebuilt 2 feet further south, the roof was raised and no doubt the church vas lengthened considerably, becoming in all its essentials, as we see it today. On the west wall can be seen the line of the roof of the former church, which probably dated from the 12^th century.

The south door, which was opposite the north door, was removed in 1806 and part of this can be seen in he vestry. The coffins of the poor were brought in by the north door and then taken out by the south door, but this is not the sole reason for the two doors being positioned opposite one another.

Although it is only probable that a church stood on his site since the 7^th century, it is certain that there was a Priest in Hunsdon in 1086 and a church here in 1281

Tour of the Church.

The north door is the main entrance to the church from the porch which was build around 1450 and is reputed to be one of the finest examples of that period remaining. Starting from the north door, note the poor box (date unknown) standing on the right-hand side. The original slot was very narrow and was enlarged to take the modern coins pre 1900. It is no longer in use.

The North Wall

Moving towards the tower, take note of the west window of the north wall in the third light from the left, among the remaining fragments of old glass (after being destroyed by lightening) are the letters MAGAR. It is thought that this refers to Margaret, wife of Sir William Oldhall who spent time renovating the church from about 1450. The Tower is dated about A.D.1420 housing eight bells, ageing from AD 1630 onwards. A full description of these is in the belfry. Also in the belfry is a list of Rectors from 1320 onwards.

On leaving the belfry, take note of the font which dates from about A.D.1500. It is possible that Queen Mary stood at this font when she was godmother to a Hunsdon child in 1537. The font was sent to London in 1851 to be re-cut. On its return it was certified that the design was as the original and the carving had not been altered, about AD 1851.

The South Wall.

Walking toward the Holy table, you come to the Carey chapel built approximately 1610 by Sir John Carey, Lord Hunsdon. 

The monument to Sir John Carey and his wife was erected by him in 1616, the year before his death, and as you can see the dates have never been filled in. Sir John died April 7^th 1617 and his wife 10 years later, April 7^th 1627.

The pulpit is thought to date from 1610 and was given by Sir John Carey. It was believed that the rood screen was removed at this time as it interfered with the Carey chapel and the pulpit. Access to the rood screen was by the door at the side of the pulpit. The spiral staircase by the pulpit leads to the opening seen above it, which gave access to the rood screen, the base of which is all that is now left.

Henry Carey, the first Lord Hunsdon, was the son of Mary Boleyn, and therefore a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth. She created him a Peer and gave him the Manor in 1558.

As you enter the chancel through the base of the rood screen note the memorial tablet to Mrs (Mistress) Jane Chester and the inscription written upon it.

The memorial of Mathew Martin is notable because his name was originally Mathew Bluck and he changed his name to Martin (his mother’s name) because of the poem “Spec Hunsdonian” which was written about his father.

The old glass which remains in the east window is believed to date from between 1440 and l460. Note Sir William Oldall’s flotes in the top lights.  These were evidently inserted by Oldhall as his badge, a plaster’s float, appears in the borders of the top middle. No doubt Oldhall inserted the fetterlock and white rose of York in the north and south windows of the chancel out of complement to his patron whose badges they were.

To the left of the east window in the north wall is the monument to Sir Francis Poyntz, A.D. 1528. who had nothing to do with Hunsdon except that he was part of the company of Henry VIII who owned and lived at Hunsdon House at that time, when Henry came to Hunsdon to escape the awful sweating sickness. It is recorded that seven people became ill with the sickness in Hunsdon House but Sir Francis Poyntz was the only one who died. He was the 3rd son of Sir Robert Poyntz or Iron Acton Gloucestershire. The monument is considered by some to be the best thing in the Church.

The Monument to Sir Thomas Forster A.D. 161 shows him in his judge’s robes, is a perfect example of the period with fine contemporary wrought-iron railings. He was born in 1548 and joined the Inne Temple in 1571 and was made Sergeant before Elizabeth’s death in 1603. He was knighted ii 1604 and appointed Judge of Common Pleas in 1607. Sir Thomas was one of the first Governors of Charterhouse and was counsel to Queen Ann and Prince Henry. He died on May 18^th, 1612 at Clerkenwell and was buried in Hunsdon on May 20^th, 1612.

The brass on the wall on the east side of the vestry door next to Sir Thomas Forster’s tomb, is know as the Shelly brass and is the memorial to Margaret Shelley lately wife of John Shelley. She died 24^th March 1495. This brass was originally in front of the chancel step, but moved to the vestry in 1866 as after the south door was removed, coffins were brought to the chancel steps, and it was thought that the continual wear by the pall bearers feet was damaging the brass. The brass was removed from the vestry in 1912 (as it was still being damaged b choir boy’s feet) and placed in its present position. The poet Shelley is connected to this part of the family. The representation of the Trinity with the Dove resting on the left arm of the Cross should be noticed.

As you enter the vestry and climb the stairs, note above the vestry door the remains of the south door (removed in 1830) with hogback panels similar to the existing north door. This is mounted above part of the ‘tie’ beam from the rood screen (removed in 1911) showing the slot for the Holy Cross or Holy Rood. There are pictures of the church in different years and when it was struck by lightning in 1913. There is also a reproduction o the drawing by Pridmore (circa 1800) of the original belfry screen, (l5^th century), showing the armorial bearings. The copy of the painting of Queen Elizabeth at Blackfriars is reputed to show Sir William Carey as chamberlain carrying the white staff of office. On the cill of the north window is a brass with an inscription to William Gray, who died in 1517. The date of the east window of the vestry is about 1320.

Leaving the vestry and chancel and moving towards the north door, note the unique brass of James Gray who died in 1591. He was “Parke and House Keeper” and the brass gives a good example of Elizabethan dress. It shows Death saying in Latin - SIG PERGO - THUS I PROCEED - which merely means “I go about my business without distinction by killing a stag and then a man and so on”. This monument is unique

When the church was being re-built, frescos were found on the north wall - they were classed as rude frescos from an earlier church and plastered over as early as 1450-60. Traces were found when the walls were washed and it is believed they depict the seven deadly sins.

As you look back at the chancel arch you can still see IHC MARIA which is believed to be part of the sentence ICH MARIA MISERERE NOBIS - or Jesus, Mary have mercy upon us.

Addendum