22nd January 2023
It was lovely to welcome Emma Hurley to our service this morning. She has been tracing her ancestry and discovered that her 14 times great grandfather was Thomas Parkes. Emma contacted Wendy early in January asking if she could visit the church and have a look at a memorial she had discovered was in our church, and Wendy was able to give Emma some information about the family who lived in Willingsworth Hall (after talking to local historian Ian Bott), as well as send her photos she had taken in church some time ago. One of the photographs below shows Emma sat in front of the substantial memorial which is in the Chancel to the right of the altar. Thomas was married to Elianor (that's the correct spelling from that time). The detail below their images on the memorial shows their children.
It was lovely to welcome Emma Hurley to our service this morning. She has been tracing her ancestry and discovered that her 14 times great grandfather was Thomas Parkes. Emma contacted Wendy early in January asking if she could visit the church and have a look at a memorial she had discovered was in our church, and Wendy was able to give Emma some information about the family who lived in Willingsworth Hall (after talking to local historian Ian Bott), as well as send her photos she had taken in church some time ago. One of the photographs below shows Emma sat in front of the substantial memorial which is in the Chancel to the right of the altar. Thomas was married to Elianor (that's the correct spelling from that time). The detail below their images on the memorial shows their children.
As you look to the left when you walk into church, there is a tomb with effigies. This tomb is Thomas Parkes' son (Richard Parkes) and his wife. At first we thought Richard might be a direct ancestor of Emma's but, after talking to Ian Bott who spoke to Emma after the service, and after looking at the family tree that Ian had in a book, it became evident that it is a sibling of Richard's from whom she is descended, not from Richard. Nevertheless, she is a direct descendant of Thomas Parkes, and Richard Parkes is a great great etc uncle of hers. Emma was still happy to see Richard's tomb, though, and took lots of photos. Ian showed us a photo of when that tomb used to be situated in the chancel by the memorial to Thomas Parkes and his wife (see photo below). The Chancel looked very different then. After leaving church, Ian took both of us to what looks like old gate posts to the church, situated on Ethelfleda Terrace opposite Wellcroft Street. The brickwork is certainly different from the rest of the brickwork in the wall and you can see metal pieces that the gate would have been attached to. (It's something I had never noticed before!) This would explain why, in one of Ian's books, it talks about the staff at Willingsworth Hall using something such as a telescope and being able to see when the Parkes family left church, so they could get lunch cooked for their arrival.
There appears to be a step at the bottom of the brickwork and, if you look closely, you can see the metal pieces in the taller parts of wall, as if they were gate pillars, perhaps for the gate to be attached.
Sunday 27th February 2022
I have attended St Bartholomew's Church regularly for about 36 years. This morning I took a couple of photos of the inscriptions on the brick gate posts by the steps. It was only after posting some photos a few weeks ago, taken by Tomasz Lewandowski (including one of the approach to church), that I realised there were inscriptions on the brickwork! Also, I love the detail above the inscriptions (of the crown and what looks like a Bishop's mitre).
9th February 2021
These photos are by kind permission of Tom and Lorna Croton. They said that they were taken by Joseph Leslie Beardmore circa 1935-1937. He had a jewellery shop in Upper High Street and serviced, repaired and wound both the Church and the Market Place clocks, a task later carried out by his son, Alfred Cyril Beardmore. Apparently, the church gates commemorate his wife Lorna Inga.
The first 3 photos are views from our church steeple and they were taken whilst servicing the clock.
The first photo looks down Church Hill to the town with St John's Church in the distance and new build houses. One person has said the building behind the houses on the left was a brewery whilst another person says it was a foundry. It was called Spittles, owned by a man by that name who lived below in Church Street. The brewery/foundry was on the top of Little Hill.
The second photo is looking over the church roof towards what became the Labour club. The third photo is looking down Wellcroft Street towards Trouse Lane with the Patent Shaft in the distance. The fourth photo shows men about to replace the clock hands of the church.
Many thanks Tom and Lorna Croton (nee Beardmore) for the pictures.
15th March 2020
One of the oldest objects in our church is this 14th century chest. (It is situated at the back of church near the coffee area.) The chest was found in the churchyard when a grave was being dug! Thank goodness it was. It has a triple locking system and in those days both the Vicar and his wardens each had a different key.
We are very lucky to have such an old artefact in our beautiful church.
9th February 2020
The War Memorial was dedicated in 1920 and the Roll of Honour contains the names of Wednesbury men who died in the two world wars. On Remembrance Sunday poppy wreaths are placed in front of the memorial. Books of Remembrance are in special display cabinets in front of the memorial board. To the right there is a cabinet that used to contain the Guide standard of the Wednesbury Division, showing the Coat of Arms of Wednesbury, Darlaston, Tipton and Coseley. This cabinet now has a display of photos (shown below).
The War Memorial was dedicated in 1920 and the Roll of Honour contains the names of Wednesbury men who died in the two world wars. On Remembrance Sunday poppy wreaths are placed in front of the memorial. Books of Remembrance are in special display cabinets in front of the memorial board. To the right there is a cabinet that used to contain the Guide standard of the Wednesbury Division, showing the Coat of Arms of Wednesbury, Darlaston, Tipton and Coseley. This cabinet now has a display of photos (shown below).
12 January 2020
Approaching the former choir vestry you pass a wooden board (which is on the left as you reach the doorway - photo lower down) showing this Roll of Vicars going back to 1199. Our present vicar (Father Mark Danks) is not listed on there yet.
Remains of the earlier church were found during restoration work in 1885 and consisted of a three light window contained in a round-headed arch. (The three lights date back to the 13th century but the arch itself could be earlier.) The ancient window is to be found at the west end of the north aisle. The window is next to the doorway which gives access to the former choir vestry (now the boiler room, kitchen and toilet). This has a pointed segmental arch and is said to be from the same date as the window (13th century). The former vestry was originally the north porch and was converted to a vestry in 1885. During its rebuilding the window and doorway were discovered and this is the oldest part of the current church to be seen.
24th November 2019
Some of the beautiful windows in the Chancel and the Lady Chapel. Our church has 15 late 19th or early 20th century windows containing stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe.
Some of the beautiful windows in the Chancel and the Lady Chapel. Our church has 15 late 19th or early 20th century windows containing stained glass by Charles Eamer Kempe.
The photos this week are of images on the wooden panels by the coffee area. The image above is about Alderman John Ashley Kilvert, JP, who was an English soldier and later businessman and politician, who became Mayor of Wednesbury (then in Staffordshire, England). He served as a cavalryman with the 11th Hussars (part of the British army in Nottingham) serving in the Crimean War, where he survived the Charge of the Light Brigade. For those of you who may not be able to see the wording on the panel the inscription reads as:
‘In proud memory of Alderman John Ashley Kilvert, JP, who died October 17th 1920. Mayor of this Borough 1905-1906. Churchwarden of this Parish 1894-1895-1896. As sergeant Major in the 11th Hussars he rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava.’
An image of John as a soldier is shown below:
John Kilvert was born on 29th September 1833 in High Ercall, Shropshire and was 87 when he died in Wednesbury on 17th October 1920. He was educated at High Ercall Grammar School. As stated above he was a cavalryman and a Mayor but he was, also, a Pawnbroker.
According to research from when he served in the Crimean War, he was ‘hit by a musket ball which passed through his right leg and then into his horse. He then suffered a minor sabre wound to the head. His horse carried him to safety but had to be euthanised. (John Kilvert's return is depicted in the painting on the dust jacket of the book ‘Honour the Light Brigade’.) The next day he was promoted to sergeant. After some delay, during which he was left in a ditch and later found there half frozen, he was taken to Florence Nightingale’s Scutari Hospital and then to Malta, before being returned to England in February 1855. He subsequently worked as an army recruiter based in Bath. He ended his military career with the rank of Troop Sergeant Major, which he attained in 1857.
He was awarded the British Crimea Medal with bars for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol presented to him by Queen Victoria in a ceremony on Horseguards Parade on 18th May 1855. He also received the Turkish Crimean War Medal (Sardinian variant).
After the war, John Kilvert lived in Coventry, was married there and had a son named George. His early career was in the wine trade. On the death of his wife, he moved to Wednesbury and remarried. He operated a Pawnbroker business in Union Street where he also lived. His second wife died in 1900, as did his son in 1902. He sold the pawnbroking business and moved to a house at 13 Pritchard Street, which he named 'Balaclava House', after the battle in which he had fought.
He was elected to the town council in 1886, becoming an Alderman and later, in 1905, a year before he stood down from public service, Mayor. As he was a widower, he selected his niece, Mrs Harris, to act as his Mayoress. He also served as a magistrate (JP).
John is buried in plot A1037 at Wood Green Cemetery. He was the last but two of the British Charge of the Light Brigade participants to die. His gravestone does not mention his role in the charge. John bequeathed his medals and the sword he used during the charge, to Wednesbury Museum. (I have been fortunate to have seen and held that sword.) The medals were noted as missing in 1974, believed stolen. After passing through several hands they were bought, innocently, by Walter Hands, a medal collector from Walsall. After his death, Mrs Hands put them up for auction in 2013, when their origin was identified and she agreed to donate them back to the museum.
‘In proud memory of Alderman John Ashley Kilvert, JP, who died October 17th 1920. Mayor of this Borough 1905-1906. Churchwarden of this Parish 1894-1895-1896. As sergeant Major in the 11th Hussars he rode in the Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava.’
An image of John as a soldier is shown below:
John Kilvert was born on 29th September 1833 in High Ercall, Shropshire and was 87 when he died in Wednesbury on 17th October 1920. He was educated at High Ercall Grammar School. As stated above he was a cavalryman and a Mayor but he was, also, a Pawnbroker.
According to research from when he served in the Crimean War, he was ‘hit by a musket ball which passed through his right leg and then into his horse. He then suffered a minor sabre wound to the head. His horse carried him to safety but had to be euthanised. (John Kilvert's return is depicted in the painting on the dust jacket of the book ‘Honour the Light Brigade’.) The next day he was promoted to sergeant. After some delay, during which he was left in a ditch and later found there half frozen, he was taken to Florence Nightingale’s Scutari Hospital and then to Malta, before being returned to England in February 1855. He subsequently worked as an army recruiter based in Bath. He ended his military career with the rank of Troop Sergeant Major, which he attained in 1857.
He was awarded the British Crimea Medal with bars for Alma, Balaclava and Sebastopol presented to him by Queen Victoria in a ceremony on Horseguards Parade on 18th May 1855. He also received the Turkish Crimean War Medal (Sardinian variant).
After the war, John Kilvert lived in Coventry, was married there and had a son named George. His early career was in the wine trade. On the death of his wife, he moved to Wednesbury and remarried. He operated a Pawnbroker business in Union Street where he also lived. His second wife died in 1900, as did his son in 1902. He sold the pawnbroking business and moved to a house at 13 Pritchard Street, which he named 'Balaclava House', after the battle in which he had fought.
He was elected to the town council in 1886, becoming an Alderman and later, in 1905, a year before he stood down from public service, Mayor. As he was a widower, he selected his niece, Mrs Harris, to act as his Mayoress. He also served as a magistrate (JP).
John is buried in plot A1037 at Wood Green Cemetery. He was the last but two of the British Charge of the Light Brigade participants to die. His gravestone does not mention his role in the charge. John bequeathed his medals and the sword he used during the charge, to Wednesbury Museum. (I have been fortunate to have seen and held that sword.) The medals were noted as missing in 1974, believed stolen. After passing through several hands they were bought, innocently, by Walter Hands, a medal collector from Walsall. After his death, Mrs Hands put them up for auction in 2013, when their origin was identified and she agreed to donate them back to the museum.
A portrait of Kilvert, in oil, in which he is shown wearing civic regalia, is also at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery.
The following images are of carvings either side of the memorial panel to John Kilvert. I cannot be sure of the meanings of the carvings although I have my own idea of what they may represent.
The following images are of carvings either side of the memorial panel to John Kilvert. I cannot be sure of the meanings of the carvings although I have my own idea of what they may represent.
29th September 2019
This week I have chosen to show a photo of a painting we have in Church above the font looking towards the altar. It depicts Christ’s descent from the cross. I posted this on our Facebook page some months ago but since posting it I have found out more information.
The original information posted in April was:
‘This was painted by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet (1 May 1644 – 5 April 1717) - a French painter, especially of religious subjects. He was born into an artistic family in Rouen. His first training in art was from his father, Laurent Jouvenet; a generation earlier, his grandfather, Noel Jouvenet, may have taught Nicolas Poussin. Jouvenet, early on, showed remarkable aptitude for his profession and on arriving in Paris he attracted the attention of Le Brun, by whom he was employed at Versailles, notably in the Salon de Mars (1671–74) under whose auspices, in 1675, he became a member of the Académie Royale, where he was elected professor in 1681, one of the four perpetual rectors in 1707. He also worked under Charles de La Fosse in the Invalides and Trianon. Anthony Blunt found in Jouvenet's manner reminiscences of Poussin, Le Sueur and the late work of Raphael, but with a characteristic Baroque emotionalism. The naturalism of Jouvenet's style sets his work apart from most of the religious painting of his time. Jouvenet died on 5 April 1717. Having been forced by paralysis during the last four years of his life he had to work with his left hand. The painting was commissioned about 1698.’
Additional information I have since found out is as follows:
This famous picture, ‘The Descent from the Cross’, was painted by the artist in 1698 and is believed to have been found in an attic in Paris. Another picture was painted over it in 1845 and it was bought by Mr S J Perks of Dudley in 1883 who described it as ‘a bundle of rubbish’. It was sent to a firm of picture dealers who discovered that the 19th century picture had been painted over an older one. Mr Perks, who had previously been a Jeweller in Wednesbury Market place, worked off the old varnish and paint with his finger nails, revealing the present picture! He gave it to the church in 1888 in his wife’s name, adding “We have spent many years in Wednesbury and all were so kind to us. I thank you for giving the picture such a beautiful home”. It depicts Nicodemus in his turban, St John spreading the cloth for the reception of the body, Malchus and St Peter mounting the ladders and the three Marys kneeling at the foot of the cross. I believe it is us who should be thankful to Mr Perks for his generous gift to the church.
The following photo is of a self-portrait of the artist Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet.
The original information posted in April was:
‘This was painted by Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet (1 May 1644 – 5 April 1717) - a French painter, especially of religious subjects. He was born into an artistic family in Rouen. His first training in art was from his father, Laurent Jouvenet; a generation earlier, his grandfather, Noel Jouvenet, may have taught Nicolas Poussin. Jouvenet, early on, showed remarkable aptitude for his profession and on arriving in Paris he attracted the attention of Le Brun, by whom he was employed at Versailles, notably in the Salon de Mars (1671–74) under whose auspices, in 1675, he became a member of the Académie Royale, where he was elected professor in 1681, one of the four perpetual rectors in 1707. He also worked under Charles de La Fosse in the Invalides and Trianon. Anthony Blunt found in Jouvenet's manner reminiscences of Poussin, Le Sueur and the late work of Raphael, but with a characteristic Baroque emotionalism. The naturalism of Jouvenet's style sets his work apart from most of the religious painting of his time. Jouvenet died on 5 April 1717. Having been forced by paralysis during the last four years of his life he had to work with his left hand. The painting was commissioned about 1698.’
Additional information I have since found out is as follows:
This famous picture, ‘The Descent from the Cross’, was painted by the artist in 1698 and is believed to have been found in an attic in Paris. Another picture was painted over it in 1845 and it was bought by Mr S J Perks of Dudley in 1883 who described it as ‘a bundle of rubbish’. It was sent to a firm of picture dealers who discovered that the 19th century picture had been painted over an older one. Mr Perks, who had previously been a Jeweller in Wednesbury Market place, worked off the old varnish and paint with his finger nails, revealing the present picture! He gave it to the church in 1888 in his wife’s name, adding “We have spent many years in Wednesbury and all were so kind to us. I thank you for giving the picture such a beautiful home”. It depicts Nicodemus in his turban, St John spreading the cloth for the reception of the body, Malchus and St Peter mounting the ladders and the three Marys kneeling at the foot of the cross. I believe it is us who should be thankful to Mr Perks for his generous gift to the church.
The following photo is of a self-portrait of the artist Jean-Baptiste Jouvenet.
22nd September 2019
A friend sent me a news cutting from the Express and Star. It was a photo from their archive. The heading to the photo was ‘Final bell tolls for church school’ and went on to say that ‘St Bartholomew’s Church School in Wednesbury, which dated back to 1829, was facing demolition when the photo was taken in June 1966.’
Our Church opened the town's first church school on Church Hill in 1829. It began as a Sunday school and was enlarged and opened as a day school in 1843 with accommodation for 300 children. A playground was added in 1852 and by 1854 there were 380 children, consisting of 180 girls and 200 boys. Other church schools in the area included the National School at Moxley, which opened in 1837-38, St James' School, which opened in 1845 and St John's School which opened in 1849.
The year of closure (1966) happened the same year that the the borough of Wednesbury ceased to exist, with the majority of it being absorbed into West Bromwich.
22nd September 2019
A friend sent me a news cutting from the Express and Star. It was a photo from their archive. The heading to the photo was ‘Final bell tolls for church school’ and went on to say that ‘St Bartholomew’s Church School in Wednesbury, which dated back to 1829, was facing demolition when the photo was taken in June 1966.’
Our Church opened the town's first church school on Church Hill in 1829. It began as a Sunday school and was enlarged and opened as a day school in 1843 with accommodation for 300 children. A playground was added in 1852 and by 1854 there were 380 children, consisting of 180 girls and 200 boys. Other church schools in the area included the National School at Moxley, which opened in 1837-38, St James' School, which opened in 1845 and St John's School which opened in 1849.
The year of closure (1966) happened the same year that the the borough of Wednesbury ceased to exist, with the majority of it being absorbed into West Bromwich.
Photo courtesy of Andy Szuleko who purchased it.
If any of you have information or photos of the school and its pupils, it would be great if you could share them with us for others to see. If you use Facebook, please message us so that we can include them in this notice. (https://www.facebook.com/StBartsWednesbury/).
15th September 2019
The photo this week is of the monument for John George Thursfield who died on 9th May 1828 aged 28 and his wife, Eleanor Mary who died on 7th May 1864.
The monument is a modest marble tablet with a heavy stone surround, including Gothic columns. There is a string-type band over the top with Acanthus leaves. There are a couple of flowers and some vine. The outer frame is very plain. John was born in Wednesbury on 30th December 1798, the son of Richard Thursfield and Letitia Periam. He had 2 children. John passed away in 1828 in Leamington. His grave is in our Church cemetery.
8th September 2019
(Please click on each photo above to see a fuller picture.)
This week’s photo is thought to be of Francis Wortley's crest (Frankus Wortleius de Wortley). There is a Latin inscription that records the saving of Wortley’s life by some unnamed person, presumed to be a certain Walter Harcourt, whose memorial plaque was originally beneath the Wortley tablet when this was located in the chancel. The frame consists of two thick square pilasters. (Unfortunately, I could not get a reasonable photo to show this as it is quite dark.) Above it is a free-standing coat of arms upon a roughly square backing carved as a piece of fabric with many small folds all emanating from a knight’s helm above; this helm is crowned, and upon it is a simple but spirited carving of a peacock. It is presumed this is the surviving remnant of some more ornate tomb.
When researching this crest I discovered that Sir Francis Wortley, 1st Baronet, was a poet and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1624 and 1626. He supported the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. He lived in a time of great political, social and religious turmoil in the British Isles. Francis was the son of Sir Richard Wortley, of Wortley Hall, near Barnsley, Yorkshire and his wife was Elizabeth Boughton, daughter of Edward Boughton, of Cawston, Warwickshire (afterwards Countess of Devonshire). He succeeded his father in the family estates on 25 July 1603.
Wortley was a Royalist and fought for the King, allowing Wortley Hall to be used as a garrison for 150 dragoons. However, in 1644 Sir Francis was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London and on his release in 1649 he was obliged to pay a heavy fine to recover his property.
This week’s photo is thought to be of Francis Wortley's crest (Frankus Wortleius de Wortley). There is a Latin inscription that records the saving of Wortley’s life by some unnamed person, presumed to be a certain Walter Harcourt, whose memorial plaque was originally beneath the Wortley tablet when this was located in the chancel. The frame consists of two thick square pilasters. (Unfortunately, I could not get a reasonable photo to show this as it is quite dark.) Above it is a free-standing coat of arms upon a roughly square backing carved as a piece of fabric with many small folds all emanating from a knight’s helm above; this helm is crowned, and upon it is a simple but spirited carving of a peacock. It is presumed this is the surviving remnant of some more ornate tomb.
When researching this crest I discovered that Sir Francis Wortley, 1st Baronet, was a poet and politician who sat in the House of Commons between 1624 and 1626. He supported the Royalist cause in the English Civil War. He lived in a time of great political, social and religious turmoil in the British Isles. Francis was the son of Sir Richard Wortley, of Wortley Hall, near Barnsley, Yorkshire and his wife was Elizabeth Boughton, daughter of Edward Boughton, of Cawston, Warwickshire (afterwards Countess of Devonshire). He succeeded his father in the family estates on 25 July 1603.
Wortley was a Royalist and fought for the King, allowing Wortley Hall to be used as a garrison for 150 dragoons. However, in 1644 Sir Francis was captured and imprisoned in the Tower of London and on his release in 1649 he was obliged to pay a heavy fine to recover his property.
1st September 2019
This week’s photo is of a fine bust in a niche of Revd Isaac Clarkson. He was the Vicar of Wednesbury and a fundraiser for the Church. He is shown in late middle age with a purposeful look, a stern and serious man wearing a heavy cloak above suit and cravat; this garb giving something of the modern while preserving a sense of Classical decorum. This monument is the last work in the Church by Peter Hollins and is a good example of a mid-Victorian monument with a bust, following directly in a tradition of monuments with busts dating back to the later 17th Century. A separate wall plaque cut in the shape of a headstone notes that Revd Clarkson presented the font and a new clock for the Church in 1856.
Below the bust is a long inscription that reads as follows:
This monument attests the affectionate regard of the parishioners and many friends for the late Revd Isaac Clarkson who served God in the sacred ministry of Christ’s Church for a period of thirty five years as Curate and Vicar of Wednesbury and for nearly five years as Vicar of Sandal Magna Yorkshire where he died and was buried. He was in the commission of the peace for the county of Stafford for twenty one years. He was mainly instrumental in raising and expending twenty six thousand pounds in the restoration of this church, the building of the parish churches of St John, St James and Moxley and the Delves Episcopal Chapel besides school rooms in various parts of this parish. Earnest in his ministry, clear in judgement, faithful in counsel, warm in friendship. He has passed away leaving a grateful remembrance of his valued life and awaiting a joyful resurrection. The memory of the just is blessed. Born the 1st of March 1795. Died the 28th of May 1860.
This week’s photo is of a fine bust in a niche of Revd Isaac Clarkson. He was the Vicar of Wednesbury and a fundraiser for the Church. He is shown in late middle age with a purposeful look, a stern and serious man wearing a heavy cloak above suit and cravat; this garb giving something of the modern while preserving a sense of Classical decorum. This monument is the last work in the Church by Peter Hollins and is a good example of a mid-Victorian monument with a bust, following directly in a tradition of monuments with busts dating back to the later 17th Century. A separate wall plaque cut in the shape of a headstone notes that Revd Clarkson presented the font and a new clock for the Church in 1856.
Below the bust is a long inscription that reads as follows:
This monument attests the affectionate regard of the parishioners and many friends for the late Revd Isaac Clarkson who served God in the sacred ministry of Christ’s Church for a period of thirty five years as Curate and Vicar of Wednesbury and for nearly five years as Vicar of Sandal Magna Yorkshire where he died and was buried. He was in the commission of the peace for the county of Stafford for twenty one years. He was mainly instrumental in raising and expending twenty six thousand pounds in the restoration of this church, the building of the parish churches of St John, St James and Moxley and the Delves Episcopal Chapel besides school rooms in various parts of this parish. Earnest in his ministry, clear in judgement, faithful in counsel, warm in friendship. He has passed away leaving a grateful remembrance of his valued life and awaiting a joyful resurrection. The memory of the just is blessed. Born the 1st of March 1795. Died the 28th of May 1860.
18th August 2019
(Click on each photo to view a larger version.)
This week I have chosen to show you photos of the ceiling in the Lady Chapel.
Prior to the Quiet Hour service on 2nd August I looked up and noticed that there were 4 sections that are very different to the rest of the ceiling. I have attended this church for about 37 years and had never noticed this before! Linda Russell said she believed they represented the four Saints: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. I have now been reliably informed by the Revd Tim Vasby-Burnie (thanks Tim) that this is the Chapel of the Ascension and if you look into heaven (note the stars) then the one in heaven is the one written about in the gospels.
Since Tim’s advice I have investigated further and can now advise you of the meanings of these symbols, as follows:
Matthew’s symbol is a winged man, Mark a winged lion, Luke a winged ox and John an eagle.
The four faces represent the four domains of God's rule: the man represents humanity; the lion represents wild animals; the ox represents domestic animals and the eagle represents birds.
Saint Matthew is represented by the winged man from Revelations. Matthew the Evangelist, the author of the first gospel account, is symbolised by a winged man or angel. This represents Jesus' Incarnation and implies that we should use our power to reason in order to achieve salvation.
The winged lion is an icon that spans the centuries. The Lion of Saint Mark is a winged lion that symbolically represents Saint Mark the Evangelist, patron of Venice. It is a symbol used to give an immediate and unique sign of identity and power.
Luke the Evangelist, the author of the third gospel account (and the Acts of the Apostles), is symbolised by a winged ox or bull – a figure of sacrifice, service and strength. The ox signifies that Christians should be prepared to sacrifice themselves in following Christ.
John the Evangelist, the author of the fourth gospel account, is symbolised by an eagle – a figure of the sky, and believed by Christian scholars to be able to look straight into the sun. This symbolises that Christians should look on eternity without flinching as they journey towards their goal of union with God.
God has promised that, through Jesus, He will make an end of sins and bring everlasting righteousness.
11th August 2019
Our photo this week is of an Alms Box and is situated just inside the entrance to the church.
The inscription on the box is as follows:
CONTRIBUTIONS
SICK & POOR . FABRIC FUND . CHURCHYARD
This alms Box is the Gift of the Children attending this Church . Feast of St Bartholomew 1909
L A Pritchard MA Vicar
G Summerhill and B L Turnock - Churchwardens
A poor box, alms box, offertory box or mite box is a box that is used to collect coins for charitable purposes. They can be found in most churches built before the 19th century and were the main source of funds for poor relief before societies decided to organise the process and make the public authorities responsible for this. Alms Boxes were a safe way to collect coin and paper currency donations in churches and other public buildings and are still used in some churches today.
4th August 2019
Our photo this week is of a beautiful stained glass window in the Choir Vestry. (Originally this area of the church was the Baptistry.) The wording says:
“To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Caroline Smith and of Henry Smith of Wednesbury, the walls of this Baptistry are lined with stone and this window is dedicated by their family. AD 1927”
I can’t find out any information concerning Caroline and Henry Smith. If members of their family see this, I would love to hear from you.
14th July 2019
Our photo this week is of a memorial to Isaiah Platt. It is in what is now the Choir Vestry but was, then, the Baptistry.
Isaiah Platt, OBE, was born in 1860. He was the youngest son of Mr Samuel Platt, founder of the firm of Messrs Samuel Platt, King's Hill Foundry, Wednesbury, with whom he served his time from 1876 to 1881. Isaiah then entered the drawing office of which he was given sole charge in 1886 and subsequently became a partner. In 1918 he severed his connection with the firm and established the firm of Messrs Isaiah Platt of Wednesbury, where he built up a most successful business. According to Grace’s Guide the company were manufacturers of bright steel bolts and nuts, studs, fork joints, turnbuckles etc.
Mr Platt was 71 years of age at the time of his death which occurred on 1st August 1931.
He had been a Member of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers since 1903.
The wording across the memorial reads:
“In loving memory of Isaiah Platt, died Aug 1st 1931. The decoration of the Baptistry, Oak Seating at the West End & Churchwardens’ Pews were completed by his wife & daughter.”
In the 1871 census, the entry for Samuel Platt and his family, who lived at 119 Darlaston Road, King's Hill, was as follows:
Samuel Platt, aged 58, brass and iron founder, employing 26 men & 5 boys. Born in Wednesbury.
Rose Hannah Platt, Wife, aged 52. Born in Wednesbury.
John Platt, Son, aged 27, unmarred, iron moulder. Born in Wednesbury.
Eliza Platt, Daughter, age 21, unmarried. Born in Wednesbury.
Thomas Platt, Son, age 18, unmarried, iron moulder. Born in Wednesbury.
Frederick Platt, Son age 13, unmarried, iron moulder. Born in Wednesbury.
Isaiah Platt, Son, age 11, unmarried, scholar. Born in Wednesbury.
If there are any family or friends who can offer us further information about the memorial, Isaiah’s life or his company, please contact us.
Here is an advertising image for Isaiah’s company:
23rd June 2019
This week's photo shows the Interior of our church prior to the alterations of 1827.
16th June 2019
This week I am featuring an old photo of the aisle from ‘A History of Wednesbury’ by Bev Parker.
There was a church here by the early thirteenth century because it was recorded in the Plea Rolls of King John for 1210-1211 that “Master William, a royal chaplain, had been appointed to the church at Wednesbury” although the present Church dates from the late 15th or early 16th century (the pulpit dates from 1611).
Our Church has been restored and rebuilt and stands on the site of an earlier 13th century stone built church.
I have, also, included a more up-to-date photo of the aisle and a photo showing the evidence of the date on the pulpit.
This week I am featuring an old photo of the aisle from ‘A History of Wednesbury’ by Bev Parker.
There was a church here by the early thirteenth century because it was recorded in the Plea Rolls of King John for 1210-1211 that “Master William, a royal chaplain, had been appointed to the church at Wednesbury” although the present Church dates from the late 15th or early 16th century (the pulpit dates from 1611).
Our Church has been restored and rebuilt and stands on the site of an earlier 13th century stone built church.
I have, also, included a more up-to-date photo of the aisle and a photo showing the evidence of the date on the pulpit.
9th June 2019:
This week I have chosen some heraldry that is on the wooden Chancel Screen (above). In my explanations below I have included a more detailed image, as appropriate, because I think it helps us to understand and appreciate the meaning of the emblems. I apologise in advance if my facts are not accurate; if any of you are historians and can advise me further please leave comments below for us to learn more.
The badges from left to right represent the Arms of Wednesbury, St Bartholomew, the Diocese of Lichfield and finally the County of Stafford.
For images of the heraldry see slide show below the text for County of Stafford.
On the left:
Arms of Wednesbury
The arms (crest) of Wednesbury were officially granted on 8th September 1904. The field suggests the Black Country and the two lions are from the arms of the Heronville family to whom the Manor of Wednesbury was granted by Henry II in the 12th century. The black diamonds represent coal mining and the symbol of Mars, used by alchemists to denote iron, represents the iron and steel industries. Mars is also the Roman counterpart of Woden after whom Wednesbury is named. The flaming tower on this heraldry is derived from the crest of Joseph Hopkins, a local ironmonger, who left money to the town for charitable purposes. The fiery tower combined with the symbol of Mars can also be seen as representing a blast furnace. The word ‘marte' in the motto is also sometimes translated as ‘by arms’ and is appropriate because gun barrels were formerly made in the town.
St Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects. Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was flayed (skinned) alive for spreading his faith. The skin of his body was cut into strips then pulled off, leaving his body open and bleeding for a long time; then he was beheaded. A large knife is the emblem of St Bartholomew. I believe there are three knives as they make a better pattern in a shield than one.
Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects. Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was flayed (skinned) alive for spreading his faith. The skin of his body was cut into strips then pulled off, leaving his body open and bleeding for a long time; then he was beheaded. A large knife is the emblem of St Bartholomew. I believe there are three knives as they make a better pattern in a shield than one.
On the right:
Diocese of Lichfield
There does not appear to be a satisfactory explanation for the ancient and remarkable arms for the Diocese of Lichfield. Whilst researching heraldry I found that there are a number of variations on the colours but the one nearest to the emblem in our church is this one. In the Middle Ages an emblem was devised for St Chad, Bishop of Mercia and patron of the cathedral. The shield is equally divided by the perpendicular line and is coloured red and silver; the red being on the left (as you look at it). The central cross is of unusual form in crutch-shaped pieces (its name ‘potent', from the French potence, translates as ‘a crutch’).
County of Stafford
The arms for the County of Stafford were officially granted on 31st January 1931. All the devices on the arms come from arms of various Earls of Stafford. The red chevron on gold was the arms of the de Staffords and includes the family's famous Stafford knot badge. The Stafford knot, more commonly known as the Staffordshire knot, is a distinctive three-looped knot and is the traditional symbol of the English county of Staffordshire and of its county town, Stafford. It is a particular representation of the simple overhand knot, the most basic knot of all. I believe the lion represents a Chief, indicating the authority of the council.
The badges from left to right represent the Arms of Wednesbury, St Bartholomew, the Diocese of Lichfield and finally the County of Stafford.
For images of the heraldry see slide show below the text for County of Stafford.
On the left:
Arms of Wednesbury
The arms (crest) of Wednesbury were officially granted on 8th September 1904. The field suggests the Black Country and the two lions are from the arms of the Heronville family to whom the Manor of Wednesbury was granted by Henry II in the 12th century. The black diamonds represent coal mining and the symbol of Mars, used by alchemists to denote iron, represents the iron and steel industries. Mars is also the Roman counterpart of Woden after whom Wednesbury is named. The flaming tower on this heraldry is derived from the crest of Joseph Hopkins, a local ironmonger, who left money to the town for charitable purposes. The fiery tower combined with the symbol of Mars can also be seen as representing a blast furnace. The word ‘marte' in the motto is also sometimes translated as ‘by arms’ and is appropriate because gun barrels were formerly made in the town.
St Bartholomew
Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects. Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was flayed (skinned) alive for spreading his faith. The skin of his body was cut into strips then pulled off, leaving his body open and bleeding for a long time; then he was beheaded. A large knife is the emblem of St Bartholomew. I believe there are three knives as they make a better pattern in a shield than one.
Saint Bartholomew lived in the first century AD and was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. He is credited with many miracles related to the weight of objects. Saint Bartholomew the Apostle was flayed (skinned) alive for spreading his faith. The skin of his body was cut into strips then pulled off, leaving his body open and bleeding for a long time; then he was beheaded. A large knife is the emblem of St Bartholomew. I believe there are three knives as they make a better pattern in a shield than one.
On the right:
Diocese of Lichfield
There does not appear to be a satisfactory explanation for the ancient and remarkable arms for the Diocese of Lichfield. Whilst researching heraldry I found that there are a number of variations on the colours but the one nearest to the emblem in our church is this one. In the Middle Ages an emblem was devised for St Chad, Bishop of Mercia and patron of the cathedral. The shield is equally divided by the perpendicular line and is coloured red and silver; the red being on the left (as you look at it). The central cross is of unusual form in crutch-shaped pieces (its name ‘potent', from the French potence, translates as ‘a crutch’).
County of Stafford
The arms for the County of Stafford were officially granted on 31st January 1931. All the devices on the arms come from arms of various Earls of Stafford. The red chevron on gold was the arms of the de Staffords and includes the family's famous Stafford knot badge. The Stafford knot, more commonly known as the Staffordshire knot, is a distinctive three-looped knot and is the traditional symbol of the English county of Staffordshire and of its county town, Stafford. It is a particular representation of the simple overhand knot, the most basic knot of all. I believe the lion represents a Chief, indicating the authority of the council.
3rd June 2019
THOMAS TROMAN (see slideshow of photos below the text)
It took me a while to research but, using a number of websites including A History of Wednesbury, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and the Cemetery in France where he is buried, I have managed to find out some information about this young man who died aged 26 serving our country. If any of you reading this are members of the family and can tell me more please get in touch. I hope my facts are correct and that I have done Thomas justice in my account below.
According to my research, Second Lieutenant Thomas Joseph Barnsley Troman of the North Staffordshire Regiment was killed in action by a shell on 14th (?) July 1916 at the age of 26. (However, the plaque says 13th July and, as his mother and family erected this memorial to Thomas, I assume their date is correct). He was in command of a machine gun section and fell while leading his men. (MGC = Machine Gun Corps)
He was the second son of Henry Troman of Jesmond, Brunswick Park Road, Wednesbury, and was a talented organist (FRCO indicating that he was a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists). As the plaque indicates he was an organist here at St Bartholomew's Church. He was, also, the Wednesbury Borough Organist. Thomas had hoped to go into the church but, sadly, his life ended tragically whilst in France.
Below is a photo of Thomas and, also, an image showing the 6th memorial plaque in the Wednesbury War Memorial Garden in Walsall Street, acknowledging his name.
