Some churches seem to have more than their fair share of historic attractions and Barrington is one of these. My husband and I discovered it quite by chance having taken the wrong road en-route to Stamford. Rarely has wrong turning led to such a delightful discovery. Spotting the church sitting amid an extensive village green I immediately called a halt to our journey in order to explore this inviting church.
Although the earliest part of the church dates back to the twelfth century the majority of the building dates to the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. A large church with a lofty nave this wonderful church was sadly neglected during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Luckily its fortunes rose again under the incumbency of the Rev Edward Conybeare both in terms of physical restoration and in a significant resurgence of the congregation under his ministry.
Rev Conybeare was vicar between 1871 and 1898 but was also a well-known Cambridgeshire antiquary. Between 1871 and 1892 he spent almost £2,150 of his own on the church and the school, obtaining another £900 from Trinity College and Richard Bendyshe.1
As you enter the fine porch surmounted by a cross the first treasure you will see is the remains of a wonderful stoup. Before the Reformation the stoup held holy water for the congregation to make the sign of the cross when they entered. Most stoups are just inside the church itself but a few like this are either in the porch or occasionally on the exterior of the church.
Inside the church there is a fine example of a parish chest dating back to the sixteenth century. This is where all documents relating to the parish as well as the church alms and (in medieval times the parish arms) were once held.
The bells date back to 1872 when a previous peal was replaced by the Rev Conybeare, the old bells being recast. They were restored again in 1980. A large painted board on the church wall gives details of their restoration plus clear instructions as to their proper use.
‘The Bells are holy Instruments dedicated to the worship of God and only to be used for His Glory. They must at all times be regarded and used accordingly.
The Ringers obtain a part in the Sacred Ministry of God’s church and must behave always as His ministers should do
The Control of the Ringing belongs by Law absolutely to the Vicar and the Bells may only be used by such Persons at such times and in such manner as he may from time to time appoint
Every ringer is expected to attend any Service for which he comes to ring and to join in devoutly In God’s worship
Drinking,smoking ,loud and boisterous talking, jesting and above all disputing, are most unseemly amongst God's ministers in His House and are hereby forbidden in this Belfry.
Edward Conybeare 1876’
A window in the belfry dates to 1887 when the villagers paid for its creation to commemorate queen Victoria’s golden Jubilee. Passing down the nave with its fragment of fifteenth century wall painting the eye is drawn to the surviving rood staircase that would have led in pre-Reformation times to a rood loft with figures of the crucifixion. The entrance to the staircase is covered by an attractive Venetian style metal door that was made by local village lads under the instruction of the Rev Conybeare in 1891. On the north side of the church is the Bendyshe chapel with many family memorials to the Bendyshe family of nearby Barrington Hall. One commemorates Constantia Gyles daughter of Sir Thomas Bendyshe who died in 1663 boost a particularly fine (or gruesome depending on your opinion) death’s head.
These are just a few of the highlights to been seen in this splendid church which is certainly high on my recommended list of churches to visit. To finish some more photos to give you a feel of what to expect.
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