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The Parish of
Astley |
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The Nave Ceiling This
is made of panelled oak and bears twenty one shields which record families
connected with the church. It is of 14th century origin, with some
restoration work carried out in the 17th century and then extensively
restored in 1876. As
you enter the western end of the nave from the tower there are three
recumbent alabaster figures to the right. They are effigies
of Sir Edward Grey, Elizabeth Talbot and Cicely
Bonneville. These are all that remain of a large number of effigies that
were originally housed in the Collegiate Church. On
the west wall is an ancient memorial brass,
of a robed headless figure, reputedly one of the oldest in Warwickshire. It
dates from about 1400 and is believed to represent one of the ladies of the Astley family. The
font is of Norman design and octagonal in
form, with an embattled moulding around the rim. Set in
the floor adjacent to the font are some of the original floor tiles, some of
which bear the arms of the Astleys
and Beauchamps. There
are six on the south wall and three on the north wall showing seven Bible
passages, the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed in addition to the two paintings on
either side of the east window in the chancel. These paintings, which are of
national importance, are in urgent need of restoration.
You can help with this by making a donation. Choir Stalls (14th-15th Century) There
are two sets of nine and behind each stall is a painted panel depicting apostles
on the north side and prophets on the south side. These stall date from the
14th or 15th centuries and are believed to be unique. Originally there would
have been two sets of twelve. On
the north wall there is a memorial to Lettice
Bolden a member of the Newdigate
family. The unusual form of the date on this memorial (17 Feb 1693/4)
reflects the change in the start of the New Year from 25th March to 1st
January. To the left of the chancel steps is
the pulpit and to the right is the prayer desk and lectern. These are of oak.
and date from the 17th century.
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