 All Saints' Church, Driffield |
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From the Driffield Times and General Advertiser, Nov 6, 1880 ALL SAINTS CHURCH, DRIFFIELD HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION OF ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH, DRIFFIELD,
Before and after restoration (notice the headstones)
The restoration and extension of this church having been so far completed as to admit of its being re-opened for public worship, arrangements have been made for its being re-opened on Monday next, 1st November – All Saints’ Day. The church being dedicated to All Saints; the above day has been thought very appropriate occasion for the ceremony. Such historical and other particulars of the church as are known may not be inaptly given in anticipation of the interesting event. During the forty years that I resided in Driffield, its quaint looking and interesting old parish church, with its’ magnificent tower, was the abiding object of my love and veneration. I was unceasing in minutely scrutinizing its beautiful proportions, its grotesque figures, its unique architectural decorations, its monuments with their curious inscriptions and its other noticeable features. I searched every available source, both oral and written and collected all the information that I was able to meet with; and this I treasured up with a feeling only known to a true antiquary. As I may never publish the result of my investigations I think the present a proper occasion for bringing them to light. There is no doubt that a church existed at Driffield at a very early period after the destruction of heathen temples and the introduction of Christianity. It is not, however, known by whom or when it was built; and in all probability no record or tradition had been handed down to perpetuate the fact. Most probably, it would be built by Morcar, the powerful Saxon Earl, who, previous to the Conquest, was lord of the Manor of Driffield. Very likely this church was destroyed by the Conqueror when by fire and sword he devastated the North to avenge Morcar’s premeditated revolt. The earliest mention of a church at Driffield is found in Domesday Book compiled in 1080. In that ancient record it is stated that “in Drifelt are two churches.” Probably one of these two churches was at Little Driffield and the other stood on the site of the present All Saints’ Church. Whether this earlier church had been destroyed by fire or became decayed and required to be re-built, or the increase of population necessitated a larger edifice is a matter of conjecture. We may conclude, however, that the present church is not the one referred to in Domesday Book. Sir Gilbert Scott is of opinion that the earliest parts of the present fabric were erected upon the site of a previous church about the year 1100. King Henry I, who reigned between that year, 1100 and 1135, gave the church to Gerard Archbishop of York, an don of the Archbishop’s successors gave it to be a Prebend in the Cathedral of that city. The present church, previous to its restoration which is about to be so auspiciously consummated, consisted of nave and north and south aisles divided from the nave by four circular arches supported by circular columns, and a stately tower at the west end. The south side of the nave had a mean modern brick and cemented porch, erected in 1829, in the place of the original one which was taken down in consequence of being in a ruinous state; and in 1844 a similar incongruous excressence was erected on the north side of the north aisle communicating with the north aisle door and was used as a vestry. The south door of the nave has a circular arch with plain moulding, the hood being enriched with the dog-tooth ornament, the peculiar characteristic adornment of the period of its erection. The south door of he chancel is also circular headed with plain moulding and the outer on decorated with foliage resting on two attached columns with leafed capitals boldly and beautifully executed. The east end of the chancel has a noble Tudor window of five lights. The windows of he south aisle are square headed, are of three lights, the tracing being very fine. In the north wall of the nave are three small clerestory windows of the Norman type. The stately tower is in the perpendicular style, and was erected about two centuries subsequent to the body of the church – probably about the year 1400. It has been admired by all lovers of the beauties of Gothic architecture. It consists of four finely graduated stages and supported by double buttresses at the angles panelled and enriched with canopied niches and tracery, and is crowned with eight richly crocketted pinnacles and embattled parapet. At every approach to the town it forms a striking and majestic object in the landscape of the district. It has a finely decorated door at the west end and above it is a niche intended probably to be filled with the figure of some Saint or other important personage. There is no indication, however, of any such figure ever having been so placed. “The parish church of Driffield,” says the late Sir Gilbert Scott, “is a building of more than ordinary interest. It’s tower is one of the finest of its size in this country and the body of the church, though it appears at first sight oppressed and dwarfed by the grand proportions of the tower, is in reality full of character.” He considers the earliest proportions of the building are the arches and clerestories of the nave; some part of the north side wall including the north doorway and the lower part of the chancel walls including the chancel doorway. These works he says are of what is termed the “Transitional” period, when the round arched Romanesque or Norman style was gradually giving place to the pointed arched or Gothic style. The character of these portions of the church is exceedingly interesting, as, while the semi-circular arch is employed throughout, the sections of the mouldings are distinctly of “pointed” design. The south doorway of the nave is a little more advanced in character, and is not in its original position, having evidently been erected at a later period when the south aisle was enlarged to its present width. This alteration of the south aisle Sir Gilbert thinks took place during the first quarter of the fourteenth century. The work of this aisle is exceedingly fine and its ample square-aisle windows are full of character and are of very remarkable design. They have been frequently admired by strangers and often copied as unique specimens. About the same time that this aisle was rebuilt the present pointed chancel arch was put up in place of the original Norman one, which Sir Gilbert is led to believe was the arch of a previous church left standing by the architect of he “Transitional” period. During the fifteenth century the present chancel windows were inserted – probably about the time of Henry VI and at the end of the same century new windows were put in the north aisle. From marks on the tower the pitch of the roof of he nave appeared to have been at a more acute angle that the old roof, which has now been removed and the new roof has been carried up to the former pitch. On one side of the windows of the north aisle were two shields of arms. One of them a bend with three mullets and the other a chevron impaling a lion rampart crowned. These shields have now been removed to the west end of the enlarged north aisle. In 1867 the Royal Archaeological Society visited Driffield. The church was the principal object of attraction. A paper prepared by the writer was read in the church. The visitors admired the church very much. On viewing the exterior, Mr E.A. Freeman, the well-known archaeologist and writer from Somersetshire, an excellent authority on Gothic architecture, addressed the company present on the more striking points of interest in the church. He said the tower was one which would not be despised amongst the beautiful churches of the west. It was different from the type they were used to, and was apparently copied from some larger church in the district – most probably the minster at York. The design of the tower, he said, was exceedingly good, because it carried out the great law of tower building, which was that it should be massive and plain at the bottom and should become gradually lighter and more ornamental towards He did not think he had seen a tower in which the principles, on which a tower should be built, had been so faithfully observed. As to the date he was always shy in guessing, especially in the perpendicular period. Mr Parker, another well-known authority on Gothic architecture, concurred in the observations made by Mr Freeman. He thought the arms on the tower, if they could be identified, would be those of the builders or benefactors. In considering the striking difference in the architectural character of the tower and the body of the church, the question has always presented itself to the writer – Under what circumstances a perpendicular tower was added to a transitional Norman church two centuries after its erection? The question has now apparently been solved. Dr Scotchburn, one of the principal promoters of the restoration movement, has throughout the progress of the works taken a lively interest, not only as a devoted antiquary, but as honorary secretary and a churchwarden, in carefully watching for the turning up of any relics that might throw light on the former state of the church or which might illustrate its antiquities; and he has carefully preserved all the interesting remains which have been discovered. During the clearing away of the debris he found striking evidence that there had, at some time, been an intense fire in the tower which had in all probability destroyed the original one. Besides strong marks of combustion on the lower part of the walls – which are evidently part of the previous tower – he picked up various pieces of melted bell metal which had no doubt been portions of the bells which had been fused by the heat of the fire. He also found pieces of melted lead in the crevices of the walls and many of the stones appeared to have undergone the strong action of fire. The lower part of the present walls seems to have formed part of the former tower, and there is a strong line of demarcation where the old and the new works are united. This interesting discovery goes far to prove why it became necessary to build the present splendid tower which Sir Gilbert Scott thinks was erected during he reign of Henry VI, between 1422 and 1471. This is very probable, as the perpendicular style came in about 1300 and lasted about 150 years. This is not a solitary instance of the discovery of the indications of intense fires in several of the old churches, which have been restored in the neighbourhood. This was particularly the case in Kirkburn and Bishop Wilton churches, restored by the late Sir Tatton Sykes. A tradition has long been current that this light and elegant tower was built by one of he Hotham’s as penance to absolve a vow made during a dangerous illness to take a pilgrimage to the Holy Land if he should be restored, or for some other reason. No written record in support of this tradition has been met with earlier than the beginning of the present century. It is related by the Rev John Watts, who resided at Pockthorpe Hall, in a topographical work – a sort of guide to Scarborough – descriptive of the country between that place and Hull. He says – but where he got his information does not appear – “In the days of blind superstition and ill reclaimed violence, about the the earlier part of the fourteenth century, the tower of Driffeld church seems to have been built; the church itself – which is very ancient, and variously repaired – it abundantly surpasses in architecture, solidity and excellence of material. Tradition reports this tower was erected by one of the Hotham family – an atonement imposed upon him by his confessor, as penance to expiate a murder.” It is, however, more than probable that one of the Hotham’s, if not the sole builder, was one of the chief benefactors. Above the door on the west side tower are several shields of arms. One of these bears a bend charged with three mullets. Some years ago, the writer submitted sketches of these courts of arms to the late Mr Albert Wray, secretary of the Royal Archaeological Society. Mr Wray obligingly searched at the British Museum and he found amongst the rolls of arms of the reign of Edward III – about the year 1350 – that “Monsire John de Hotham bore-Or, a bend sable charged with three mullets.” This would appear to confirm the tradition that one of the Hotham’s did build, or largely contributed towards the erection of this fine tower. From the Hotham pedigree it appears that Sir Robert Hotham married the daughter and heiress of Sir Hugh Beeston, Knight, of Driffield, sometime during the fourteenth century. This also seems to connect the Hotham’s with the town. Mr Christopher Sykes, MP, who felt interested in identifying these several arms, kindly compared sketches of them with the books of arms of families in the East Riding in the library at Burton Constable, and he found that the one charged with a lion rampant crowned and impaled with a bend with three mullets was the arms of the two families of Hotham and Beeston. Another of the arms – Barry of eight, chevron, ermine - Mr Sykes found to be those of Ingleberd, of Beverley. He also identified the shield with three mullets, on a bend pierced, as the arms of Routh, a family of importance who had possessions in Driffield, several centuries ago. The coat bearing three swans are the well known arms of St Mary’s Abbey, York. The arms of Swillington are also amongst those on the tower. In 1523 Ralph Swillington Esq., gave to his nephew, George Swillington, his purchased lands at Driffield; and no doubt, one of them was also a contributor. The noble family of Scroope, of Upsal, was for several centuries, Lords of the Manor of Driffield, and the coat of arms – a bend with three labels as the younger branch, is the same as that of Swillington. On a seal attached to a document amongst the Beverley Corporation Records is a coat of arms nearly the same as that of Swillington. It is therefore probable that all these wealthy families, as well as the monks of St Mary’s Abbey, may have been benefactors. In 1666, Sir William Dugdale, Norry King at arms, visited Driffield, amongst other places, for the purpose of recording the arms and pedigrees of the gentry. He made sketches of arms on the windows an on various parts of the church. Tracings of these were made for the writer by an antiquarian friend, from the books in the Herald’s College. These show the arms to have been then more numerous than at present. Several of the arms on the tower are repeated on the cornice beneath the battlement on the south side of the tower. At the east end of the south aisle is a fine pointed window of four lights with beautiful tracery in the head. This window has been filled with painted glass, as a memorial window of the late lamented Prince Albert. It was procured by public subscriptions, contributed by the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood, soon after the death of the “good prince.” The subjects of the memorial are illustrative of scripture history and at the foot is the following inscription – “Consider the lilies of the field. Erected by public subscription to the memory of Prince Albert, Consort of Queen Victoria, 1864” Immediately over the above window was, until present restoration, one of the most interesting objects of the church. This is the effigy of a bishop carved in stone, with crozier and pontificals and a nimbus above the head. The rebuilding of the gable of the south aisle has necessitated the removal of this figure to the east end of the new vestry. Dr Stukeley, the learned antiquary of Stamford, asserts that it is the effigy of Paulinus, the Roman missionary who first introduced Christianity into Britain and who was made the first Christian Archbishop of York. In 1740 Dr Stukeley made a pilgrimage to the tomb of the Saxon King Aldfrid in Little Driffield church. In a letter, dated 13th July, 1740, from the Doctor to his friend, Gale, the antiquary says, “I parted with you at Goodmanham with much concern. After I overcame my grief I pushed for Driffield and arrived there by eight at night. The church is very old and at the east end of the south aisle is an effigy of Paulinus, the first Christian Archbishop of York.” This effigy has generally been thought by ecclesiologists to have belonged to some other earlier church or ecclesiastical building. Sir Gilbert Scott says this singular effigy is twelfth century in character and had been built into the upper and more modern portions of the east end of the south aisle, and he thinks the figure possibly stood over the doorway of the ancient porch. In the programme of excursions of the Archaeological Society on their meeting in Hull, in 1867, already referred to, this effigy was noticed as one of the objects of interest in connexion with their visit to Driffield. His Grace, the present Archbishop of York, opened the proceedings of the meeting at Hull, and in his opening addresses, he made special reference to this ancient archbishop, which seemed to interest him very much. Our ancient architects resorted to the most grotesque features for the decoration of their churches. These figures are generally symbolic, and intended to be “sermons in stone.” We find instances of this carried out in the most insignificant of things. Even the common water spouts or gargoyles are effigies of the fabulous griffin or other nondescript creature. Two curious illustrations of symbolism are found in the south aisle. At each angle of the top cornice is a large toad. These, no doubt, have a significant meaning – perhaps to portray the ugliness of sin. In the tower are three ancient bells, which from the dates upon them appear to have been cast at different periods, sometime after the erection of the tower. For some years previous to the reformation a custom had crept in of engraving inscriptions in bells, and each of these bells bear a Latin inscription. On the first bell is – “Hec Campana Beate Trinitate flat A.D. 1593. R. B.” On the second bell – “In honore Sancte Tinitatis Anno Domini 1593” On the third bell – “In altissimo Deo Gloria 1685. T.D. churchwarden. S. S. Ebor” The English of the above inscriptions may be rendered as follows –
Who “T.D. churchwarden,” who thus immortalises himself by having his initials put on the last bell, is, at this distance of time not easily ascertained. “S. S. York are the initials, no doubt, of the maker’s name, who evidently resided at York. It is a floating tradition that one of the above bells was brought from Lund church. This has been enquired into, and the late Mr John Robinson, the intelligent schoolmaster at that place, on being applied to informed me that he could not find any record of it, though several old men had told him that they had heard it said that such was the case. The original font is very plain, without a figure or any carving upon it, which attests its antiquity. For many years it was cast aside in the belfry, and a modern one was substituted. The old font is now being renovated, and with good taste will be restored to its proper position and will much better accord with the surroundings. In the south wall of the chancel is a perpendicular piscine, and in the wall of the south aisle is a similar piscine or locker in the Norman style. The noble arch of the tower had long been obscured by a heavy painted singing gallery. In 1829 an organ was purchased by subscription and was placed in this unsightly gallery. Mr George Laybourne was the first organist. Some seventy years ago the choir was of a very miscellaneous character. The instrumental part consisted of no less than ten hautboys, besides other wind and string instruments. Formerly the nave was divided from the chancel by a wooden screen; and the pulpit, which was of plain painted deal, stood under the centre of the chancel arch. Within the last forty years the screen was taken down to make room for additional pews in the chancel. At the same time the pulpit was removed to the north side of the arch. Until 1807 the sittings were old open oak stalls. In that year a faculty was obtained for erecting new pews and to enable churchwardens to allot and dispose of them. In lieu of the antique stalls the square high backed and inappropriate deal pews, which have just been removed, were substituted, and which according to Sir Gilbert Scott, “sacrificed beauty without ensuring comfort.” Among the many alterations made within the last fifty years in the church arrangements and its furniture, was the removal of an elegant brass chandelier, suspended from the roof of the nave. This handsome chandelier of he time of Queen Ann and has been removed to the chancel, having been renovated in London and will look quite new. Prior to 1834, there was an old clock in the church tower. It had become worn out and irregular in its movements and a subscription was entered for purchasing a new one. In the above year a new one was procured and put up at a cost of £158. On the clock is the following inscription: “The society of Arts awarded medals and premiums for this escapement and those expanding flies – Made by James Harrison, Hessle New Road, Hull.” It is interesting to notice that the above Mr Harrison is a descendant of the ingenious John Harrison who made such important improvements in the movements of clocks and watches. He was the son of a poor Yorkshire carpenter and in 1731 he obtained by a time-keeper of his making the £20,000reward offered in Queen Anne’s time for the means of determining the longitude at sea within half a degree of a circle. When Harrison was a child six years old, being confined to his bed by illness, he had a watch placed on his pillow that he might amuse himself by observing its movements. Chantries were little chapels or particular altars in churched endowed with lands for the maintenance of priests to daily sing or say mass and to officiate divine service for the souls of the donors. About the middle of the fifteenth century John Tebb, of Great Driffield, founded a perpetual chantry at the altar of St Nicholas and St Mary the Virgin in this church for the souls of himself and Joan, his wife, which was of the patronage of the Lords Scroope of Masham and from them of he Danbys of Farnley; and endowed it with two messuages and seven ox gangs of land for a chantry priest to say mass daily, which were not held of he king, but to be held in copite for hi sown support forever. The following is a list of the chantry priests –
Dominus Thomas Waplington “ William Raper, instituted 16 Jan, 1463 “ Phineas Elys “ 14 Dec, 1493 “ Bryan Sproxton “ 9 May, 1505 “ Thomas Egton “ 16 May, 1517 “ John Barnard “ 26 Nov, 1521 “ Thomas Maynell “ 9 July, 1526
The first four were instituted under the patronage of the Lords le Scroope, and the last three under that of the Danbys. Chantries were dissolved by Acts of Parliament passed in the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI. The pew accommodation had long been totally insufficient for the requirements of he parishioners. The church was fast falling into decay and like other old ecclesiastical edifices, had been defaced and distorted by numerous “church wardens’ beautifyings.” For some time there had been a feeling amongst those who took an interest in their parish church to have made it not only commodious, but to see it restored to its original state as far as possible, and to make it an object of beauty and ornament to the town. To carry out these desirable objects a movement was inaugurated in 1874; several meetings were held; a committee was appointed and estimates were obtained. An appeal was made to the parishioners and an active house-to-house canvass for subscriptions followed; but the promise of support was far from being adequate to meet the estimated cost, which was £4600, for the alterations proposed to be made, and the matter remained in abeyance for some time. The advent of the appointment of the new vicar – the Rev. Horace Newton – gave new life and vigour to the movement, and at a meeting of the committee, held in June 1877, it was strengthened by an additional number or members. It was subsequently determined to hold a public meeting to be presided over by the Archbishop of York, for the purpose of arousing public sympathy. The late Sir Gilbert Scott, the eminent architect, was consulted. He shortly after examined the church and stated that it was in a very dilapidated condition and in urgent need of restoration and of part of it being rebuilt. Sir Gilbert was then directed to prepare a report with an estimate of the cost of the necessary restoration for 200 additional worshippers. He estimated that for £6700 the fabric could be thoroughly restored and the sitting increased for 500 to 700. On the 25th January 1878, a crowded, influential and enthusiastic meeting was held in the Assembly Room and presided over by the Archbishop of York. The necessity of the restoration was ably advocated by the Archbishop. Mr Christopher Sykes, MP, moved that it was desirable to carry into effect the effort, which was being made for increased accommodation, which was seconded by Mr W.H.H. Broadley, MP, and supported by the Rev. A. Grimston, rural dean. The Rev. H. Newton proposed that a committee be appointed to carry out the works of the restoration and extension, which was seconded by Mr E.H. Reynard. Both resolutions were unanimously carried, and subscriptions were put down in the room amounting to £1850, including £1000 by the Vicar, and making, with the amount previously promised, nearly £4000. A general committee was appointed, consisting of Messrs C.F. Sharp, G.R. Jackson, E. Harrison, H.B. Pearson, W. Taylor (the Wold), Dr Ridpath, the Rev. F. Peel, the Rev. J. Moore, W. Wigmore, W. Scotchburn, J.W. Turner, F. Warwick, Dr Wood, the Rev S. Smith and A. Pickering. A committee of management was elected, including the Rev. H. Newton, as chairman, Capt Lucas, Messrs H. Botterill, A.F. Lydon, R. Tonge, G.W. Harrison, and A. Scotchburn as honorary secretary were delegated to manage minor details. At a meeting held in March following, it was determined by the committee that a complete restoration of the church should be attempted, and a further appeal for increased subscriptions should be made, which resulted in £1500 being subscribed in the room, and which was soon after increased to £2600. The committee now felt themselves justified in commencing operations, and the works, which have now so nearly been brought to a conclusion, were prosecuted with vigour. A temporary wooden church was erected in which to hold service in the meantime. I have now brought down the ancient history of the church to a certain period and the measures taken to restore it. I will now briefly describe what works of restoration have been effected. THE TOWER The handsome croketted pinnacles of the west end and the bases have been restored and the noble arch opened out. A clock chamber and belfry and ringing chambers have been added and three new bells introduced and a new clock with two additional dials. THE NORTH AISLE The north wall has been taken down and entirely rebuilt, extending five feet further out. The brick and cement vestry has been removed and the arcade restored. THE SOUTH AISLE The bases of the columns dividing the aisle from the nave have been taken out and stored up and new bases put in. The windows have been restored. THE NAVE The floor has been re-laid with Tadcaster stone, bonds filled in with oak and elm squares in diagonal patterns THE CHANCEL The arch has been new labelled and new coins put in the place of the old ones. The south wall, the east end and the east end window have been restored. The north wall has been taken down and opened by a new arcade into the new chancel aisle. The floor is laid with black and white marble in diamond pattern with Tadcaster stone sides; and new choir stalls with carved puppy heads have been introduced. The new altar table is a beautiful piece of workmanship. It is of oak and the lower part is artistically inlaid with English woods. It is the gift of the vicar. The return stalls are richly carved, the centre spandrils containing emblems of the crucifixion. But the most important addition to this part of the church is the new chancel aisle extending northward 17 feet 6 inches, and separated from the chancel by three pointed arches in character with the chancel arch. It is separated form the north aisle by the introduction of part of the old chancel screen, which has been cleverly adapted for the purpose and has a very pleasing effect. By this addition 60 new sittings are gained. On the north side of this new aisle, and opening into it, is a new vestry 16 feet by 12 feet and over it is the organ chamber. PULPIT A new oak pulpit, also the gift of the vicar, with stone base, has been placed in the south angle of the nave and chancel, so as to command the new chancel aisle. It is perpendicular and is beautifully carved, the lower panels being linen-fold with pendant tracery. The upper part is perforated with crocketted pinnacles. A handsome massive brass lectern surmounted by an eagle and lions at the base has been presented by an anonymous donor. THE ROOFS Are all open and of oak. The roof of the nave has been carried up to the original pitch which adds considerably to its hugh and imposing effect. It is wagon topped with tie beams and moulded king posts. The roof of the south is decorated with arch principals and tracery in the spandrils. The north aisle roof is perpendicular with carved and moulded rafters. The roof of the new chancel is of the same character as that of the nave, but more elaborately carved. New plain neat oak open perpendicular stalls have been introduced into the nave in lieu of the old pews. The stalls in the north aisle also perpendicular, but are ornamented with carved puppy heads. Those in the south aisle are in the decorated style. The old font has been fixed in a new base and will be placed under the tower arch. The nave is covered with Colley Weston stone slates and the aisles and chancel with lead. A new and sweet toned organ, made by Messrs Thomas Lewis & Co, Brixton, London, has been placed in the organ chamber. It is the gift of an anonymous donor. Mr Pulman, a pupil of Dr Monk, has been appointed organist. The church is warmed by hot water conveyed in pipes, on a new principle, and is effectually lighted with gas jets along the string courses in the nave and by brackets attached to the walls in the aisles. The chancel is lighted by the fine old chandelier, which used to hang in the nave and by two smaller ones and standards. The church yard being five feet above the line of the church floor and the base moulding buried, has been levelled on the south and east sides, and the soil put on the new burial ground on the north side, which has considerably raised it. The tombstones have been preserved and laid flat where they previously stood. The works have been carried out under the management of the committee and the mason work under the superintendence of Mr Boswell, foreman or clerk of the works. All the wood and carved work has been executed by Mr J.E. Ellwell, of Beverley and the plumbing and glazing and gas fixing have been done by Mr Mallaby, of Masham. There is no mixture of extremes – there is no glare about it- no varnish - no smell of paint – or anything that is gaudy or fantastic. All is solid, artistic and characterised by placid beauty. THE RE-OPENING Monday morning last was ushered in by a peal on the new bells, the effect of which upon a community unused to campanological display it is easier to imagine than describe. Such was the interest taken in the proceedings in connection with the consummation of the great work that as the morning wore on the town began to assume a holiday aspect, the shops being closed, and business generally suspended. The firs service in the restored edifice was fixed to commence at twelve o’clock, but long before that hour every seat was occupied. Prior to the arrival of the clergy, a voluntary was played upon the new organ by Mr Pullman, the newly appointed organist; considering the somewhat detached position f the organ, the volubility of sound is very good and the manipulation of the organist evidenced that he is a musician of no mean order. There was a long array of clergy in surplices and these entered by the south door of the nave, having robed at the residence of Dr Scotchburn, and walked in procession to the sacred edifice. His Grace the Archbishop of York, who followed the clergy, was attended by the Hon. and Rev. Canon Pelham, vicar of St Mary, Beverley, as his chaplain. As the clergy entered, preceded by the surpliced male portion of the choir, a processional hymn was sung, the words of which were impressively appropriate –
When the years had wrought their changes He, our own unchanging God Thought on this His habitation Looked on His decayed abode Heard our prayers and helped our counsels Blessed the silver and the gold Till once more His house is standing Firm and stately as of old
The service was fully choral; the prayers were read by the Rev. Horace Newton, vicar of Lund, and the Rev Canon Trevor, rector of Beeford. His Grace read the Commandments, the Hon and Rev Pelham the epistle, and the Ven Archdeacon Hey the gospel for the day. The anthem, which was very efficiently rendered, was Goss’s “O, taste and see.” The preacher was the Archbishop of York, who, before entering upon his discourse, said he felt that he should address them a few words before he turned their attention to the text he had selected for the occasion; he wishes to say a word or two about he work which had brought them together. It was indeed a most conspicuous triumph to convert what the church was formerly to what they saw it that day. It evidenced a very great deal of self-denial on the part of the parishioners. He did not wish to make any individual allusion, but he understood that £600 had been contributed anonymously as well as the organ and other parts of the renovation. This showed that he work had been taken up and looked favourably upon by all sections of the parish, and those of various schools of thought. He was well aware – no one more so – that it did not require a grand church in which to worship God. In looking down the pages of history they found buildings of a very indifferent character here and there, and it was so at Driffield. Year after year, the people complained of it; the church was almost a ruin, but no one dared to touch it and it was reserved for the present vicar, who was young and vigorous, to make the house worthy of God and to bring to a completion what they were celebrating that day, which he hoped would be a spiritual blessing to the parish. They had now got a handsome church, and one which he trusted would be a home for God’s people, a house of prayer where they could have communion with God, and know Him as He is. He had to ask them to contribute to the collection, but under exceptional circumstances; up to the point at which they had arrived there did not exist in debt, but he noticed as he entered certain jaggled stones, which showed him that a porch had yet to be made. Their contributions, therefore, were needed to initiate work which was necessary to complete that already done and having been so liberal as they had been there was no necessity for him to plead with them. His Grace then selected for his text Psalm xxxi. 20, and in the course of some practical remarks expressed a hope that the temple thus being consecrated might be the means of conferring great spiritual advantages upon the inhabitants of the town. During the offertory the hymn, “Lord of Heaven and earth and sea” was sung and a recessional hymn concluded the service. A superb luncheon (provided by Miss Kirby of the Bell Hotel) was afterwards held in the Assembly rooms. Service was again held in the church in the evening, when every nook of the place was filled, and large numbers were unable to obtain admission. The offertories at the two services amounted to about £110. On Tuesday, in commemoration of the event, a “parish tea” was provided in the Corn Exchange. 13th Nov It is somewhat surprising, considering the many distinguished personages who were lords of the manor, and otherwise connected with the town, that no ancient monuments of knights in armour and their “ladies fair,” saying everlasting prayers in stone – such as are generally found in almost all old village churches – remain in this church. If there were ever such – and no doubt there were – they have long since disappeared. The only two monuments of any interest at present existing, are two effigies of the seventeenth century, of members of the Spink family, who resided in Routh Hall, which stood in the field in Eastgate belonging to Mr Kirby. The Spinks and the Manuels, of Malton, intermarried and from them the present Mr Manuel Kirby is descended. One of the effigies is that of Richard Spink, who is represented as kneeling with a bible in hands and an hourglass at his knees. This Richard Spink appears to have been a minister and a man of much learning and of great virtues. These are set forth in a Latin inscription, in gilded letters, on a board under the effigy. The following is an English translation as given by Gent in one of his miscellaneous works –
“Richard Spink, truly a master of the liberal arts, which he perfectly understood; a minister of the best and greatest God, whom he faithfully worshipped; a person of a quick and vivid ingenuity; of a witty, subtle and penetrating apprehension; of an eloquent and laborious imagination; admirable for his understanding, skilfulness of affairs, variety of languages and sweetness of behaviour. He was learned beyond his age, promoted below his dignity and unfortunate considering his merits; whom all honest men respected, the envious hated and the ingenious, admired because of his excellent learning; than whom none was more a friend to his friends, better to good men and more averse improbity. In short he was a specimen of human force, a mirror of morality, who was worthy to live longer for an example, and die sooner for reward, the circle of letters being finished sooner than that of life. Born the 27th of December 1605. Died the 9th October 1634. His dear mother erected this monument for his body, expecting the coming of Christ the Lord.” In 1785 a copy of the above inscription was sent by a correspondent, under the signature of “D.H.,” to the Gentleman’s Magazine. He says – “Some of your readers may be able to inform us who this person was and how related to Nathaniel Spinke, M.A., of Jesus and Trinity Colleges, Cambridge, rector of St Martin’s Sarum prebendary of that church, and curate of Stratford-sub-Castro, who printed one sermon in 1714, “The sick man visited,” and several tracts against the papists, and Bishop Hoadleys “Measure of submission;” was deprived in 1689 and died 1729, aged 74. Another Mr Spinke was editor of Dean Hicks’ sermons, 1741 and Mr Bowyer printed his devotions in 1728, and Vertue engraved a portrait of him.” The other monument is to the memory of William Spinke, who is represented as kneeling in a black tuck-up gown, with an hourglass at his feet. Under this figure was an inscription which was partly illegible at the time “D.H.” contributed the other inscription to the Gentleman’s Magazine. Gent, however, in his work already referred to, gives the inscription thus –
“To the memory and learning both could do Here all the arts lye, and artist, too Gelden’s learned pen might justly be employ’d To write Spinke’s worth, who was what he enjoy’d Read, where rude hands have not approach’d the room All these good characters belong this tomb”
The above inscription was engraved on a brass plate, which by some sacrilegious hands was removed some years ago, probably as plunder, and was last seen in the watch and clock maker’s shop of the late Christopher Laybourne, many years the parish clerk. In removing the old pews an interesting discovery was made in connection with the Spinke family. A beam which had apparently been part of the family pew, was found with this inscription upon it – “WILLIAM SPINKE ROVTHE HALL HIS SEAT A.D. 1616” Before the restoration of the church there was a considerable number of mural monuments. In order to carry on the restoration works it was necessary to remove all these; but they will be replaced in their proper positions. They are nearly all of modern date and are principally erected to the memory of the Spinkes, the Etheringtons, the Ellises, the Storks, the Grays, and Drinkrows – the families who resided in the town during the last two centuries and were the principal landowners and inhabitants. The inscriptions upon these monuments may be further noticed hereafter. The church is dedicated to “All Saints.” “The Feast of All Saints,” says Caxton in his Directory for keeping Feast, “was established for four caused – for the dedication of the Temple – supplement of offences done – to take away negligence and to get more lightly that thing which we pray for.” The living is a perpetual curacy, and the Rev. Horace Newton is the present highly esteemed incumbent. The patron is the Archbishop of York. Until the passing of the 3rd and 4th Victoria the Prebendary – of whom and his Prebend further particulars will be given – was the patron and impropriator. The late Honourable and Rev. Dr Rice, Dean of Gloucester, was the last Prebendary who presented. He died a few years ago. The living is valued in the King’s Books at £7 10s and twopence halfpenny, but according to the Parliamentary returns at £154. This has been considerably augmented by several grants from Queen Anne’s Bounty and other sources. In the Parliamentary survey made about 250 years ago, it is stated – “Mr Ralph Mason preaches at both churches of Great and Little Driffield after his fashion. Easter book and all small tithes of Great and Little Driffield, Kellythorpe and Elmswell worth £26 per annum.” A curious picture of the particulars and endowments of the “reverend rights, revenues and endowments appertaining to the Vicar of Driffield Ambo” is given in the Terrier rendered in 1764, by the then Vicar, the Rev Christopher Seymour and the churchwardens, John Drinkrow and Thomas Wilkinson. They say – “We have no Vicarage house, nor Glebe Land belonging to our Vicar, save one small yard containing sixteen perches of land with two small trees therein, one of ash and the other of elm; and a common right containing three acres, three roods and three perches of land, bounded on the east by a close of Peter Wilkinson’s, on the south by the highroad leading to Wansford, on the west by Widow Luckup’s common-right, and on the north by closes belonging to William Clitherow and Thomas Etherington; the fences are of thorns; also the churchyard is fenced part of it with a brick wall and part with posts and pails, with one ash tree therein. An augmentation hath been made to our Minister of forty shillings per year forever by the Rev Doctor Fall, paid out of the Prebend of Driffield; also an ox gang and a half of land in the Wetwang field, bought with the money given by Mr Francis Ellis for preaching two sermons in the Church at Great Driffield. Every mill or kiln in the parish pays to the minister at Easter yearly, three shillings and fourpence. The tithes belonging to our Minister are – tithes of foals, calves, pigs, geese, ducks, turkeys, swarms of bees, pigeons and pigeon’s dung. All persons above the age of sixteen years pay two pence each to the minister at Easter for their offerings. Every house or front stead pays yearly on the first day of January, one hen worth sixpence or sixpence in money and a penny for smoke, and one penny for a garden. Each woman pays to the minister for churching eightpence; for each marriage published by banns five shillings; for marriage by licence thirteen shillings and fourpence. For each burial in the churchyard with a coffin two shillings; in the church four shillings, besides three shillings and fourpence for breaking the ground; in the chancel is paid six shillings for burial, and three shillings fourpence for breaking the ground. The minister has commonly given to the poor sort out of he marriage fee mentioned, one shilling. Mortuaries are paid here according to the Act of Parliament. In the church hangs a handsome brass candlestick with twelve branches and sockets. In the steeple hang three good bells; also a clock is fixed in the steeple. Our utensils for the communion service are in a decent manner. The church and the fence about he churchyard are repaired at he expense of the parish. The clerk’s wages are as follows – For marriages by licence two shillings and sixpence; by banns one shillings. For every burial in the churchyard one shilling; in the church two shillings. Every cottage pays to the clerk five pence; every messuage seven pence yearly. He receives likewise in harvest of every husbandman one sheaf of wheat and another of barley. The sexton’s wages are for every grave making in the churchyard one shilling, a penny loaf and a gill of ale or two pence; in the church two shillings. He has six shillings paid him yearly by the church wardens for keeping the church clean. The clerk has three acres of land in the west field. The Vicars of Driffield appear to have been less prominent characters than their patrons – the Prebendaries – and not quite so erratic in their changes. There is a homeliness in their names, too, which contrasts strongly with those of their popish patrons. Each vicar has his peculiar history, no doubt, and the particulars would be interesting could they be obtained. An ecclesiastical and antiquarian friend once promised to supply me with some information respecting one of them – the Rev. Valentine Mason – but I cannot find that I ever received it. The following list, extending over a period of 550 years, will be persued with curious interest; and it is fortunate that such a regular account has been kept.
Dominus Instituted “ Haldanus de Driffield 3 May, 1330 “ Stephen de Burton 12 March, 1350 “ William Swyfts de Nafferton 15 Oct, 1351 “ Stephen Wallings “ John Smythe de Magna Driffield 6 March, 1352 “ John Barwe 25 Nov, 1391 “ Matthew Barow 23 Aug, 1418 “ Thomas Waplynton 6 Dec, 1446 “ William Gundall 3 Nov, 1456 “ John Smythe 17 June, 1458 “ Robert Ferley 21 Sep, 1483 “ - - Skynner 24 Oct, 1495 “ John Wederherd 25 May, 1500 “ Richard Teisdale 17 Jany, 1514 “ Edward Midilton 17 April, 1522 “ Robert Layng 2 Oct, 1523 “ Robert Barker 15 Dec, 1541 “ John Gilbye 9 March, 1548 “ Robert Ringrose 9 Dec, 1550 “ Robert Barker “ James Hodgeskinson 9 Jany, 1581 “ Christopher Geldarde 11 Sep, 1597 “ Robert Greenhaugh, B.A. 12 July, 1602 “ Valentine Mayson 1 Dec, 1615 “ Edward Hodgson 3 Aug, 1623 “ Ralph Mason 10 June, 1625 “ Henry Garnett “ Francis Parkinson 2 Nov, 1636 “ Henry Bradley 23 June, 1675 “ Ralph Hardwick 28 July, 1691 “ George Colebatch between 1671 and 1711 “ Francis Best 3 March, 1755 “ Digby Cayler 1 Dec, 1772 “ Richard Allen 14 July, 1798 “ George Allen 19 March, 1833 “ Horace Newton 1876
The inclosure of the lordship of Driffield is a noticeable episode in the history of the fortunes of the Prebendaries, the Vicars, and the Parish Clerks, because their revenues underwent a marked change, and became of increased value. At that time the Rev. George Colebatch was the vicar, and as such entitled to the small tithes of foals, calves, pigs, ducks, turkies, swarms of bees, pigeons, and pigeon’s dung. He was also entitled to common rights in the open pastures belonging to the ancient vicarage house, which formerly stood in the yard in Church-lane, still belonging to the Vicar. In lieu of his common rights, the Inclosure Commissioners allotted him 3a. 3r. 3p. of new inclosed land on the Wansford-road. The small or vicarial tithes were about thirty years ago, during the incumbency of the Rev. George Allen, commuted under the Tithes Commutation Act for a yearly rent charge of £100, apportioned upon and made payable out of lands within the town and lordship. Mr Colebatch was possessed of considerable property in his own right and at the time of the inclosure had 178 acres allotted to him. He built the house in Bridge Street in which Captain Lucas resides. His voice was so strong that when he preached in the church he could be distinctly heard half-way down Bridge Street. It is said that in his younger days he had been disappointed in an affair of the heart and that he afterwards became a miser and a recluse. He was very eccentric in his habits and had no windows in his house. In winter he only allowed himself one bag of coals, which he used in the most economical manner. Instead of putting the coals in the fire grate he used to carry them in the bag on his shoulder up and down the stairs to keep him warm! When he died he left his estates to his nephew Timothy Colebatch of Catterton, Shropshire, gentleman, who sold them to William Paul, Esq., of Nafferton, in 1759, for about £5000. In 1798 the Rev. Richard Allen was appointed to the vicarage, which he held until 1833. At that time there was only morning service once a fortnight. The service on the alternate Sundays was at Little Driffield Church. Soon after his appointment the town began to increase in population and a strong desire was felt by the inhabitants that there should be regular service every Sunday. An arrangement was come to with Mr Allen for an extra service. Subscriptions were raised to compensate him for his trouble. These gradually diminished and for two years prior to 1806 he received nothing; but through a desire to accommodate his parishioners and to contribute to their spiritual advantage, he continues his extra ministrations without fee or reward. In 1806, the population of the town not being less than 1800, a petition by the minister, churchwardens and principal inhabitants was presented to the Governors of Queen Anne’s Bounty setting forth the above facts, and stating that the 25a. 2r. 26p of land, which had been awarded to the vicar on the inclosure of Wetwang in lieu of the ox-gang and a half of land purchased with part of the £100 given by Francis Ellis Esq., had cost the Vicar £120 in fencing and other expenses, and asking that the governors would consider this and the smallness of the income, which is previous to the inclosure of Wetwang, it is stated, was only £60, and to make to him such compensation for the extra service and to reimburse him for the outlay in fencing the land at Wetwang. The governors afterwards granted him £200 The Rev. Richard Allen, on his death in 1833, was succeeded by his nephew, the Rev. George Allen, who had previously been his curate. After being the respected vicar for 43 years, and living in harmony with his parishioners during that lengthened period, he was, from advanced age and declining health, unable to discharge the duties devolving upon him and he resigned his cure in 1876. On the presentation of the Archbishop of York, the Rev. Horace Newton of Hepworth, near York, became the new vicar. On preaching for the first time to his new charge, the congregation was exceedingly large. He selected for his text the five first verses of the 2nd chapter of the 1st Corinthians: - “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech, or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything amongst you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.” He said he wished never to be anything but deeply impressed with the importance of his work, and to know nothing among them save Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The appointment of Mr Newton as the new vicar was at once felt by the parishioners as an auspicious event. It was the turning point in the fortunes of the church. Mr Newton not only entered into the active duties of his cure with zeal, but he engaged two curates and a scripture reader to assist in his good works. The promoters of the much desired restoration of their fine old church fast falling into decay, and who had found their efforts such uphill work, were now inspired with fresh hope. Mr Newton entered into the movement with a spirit and liberality – assisted by the bounty of many of his friends – which have brought the restoration to such a successful issue. The ministry of the Rev. Horace Newton will be marked as one of the most gratifying events in the material history of he church by the grand restoration of the fabric which has just been effected and which his venerable predecessor in his ninetieth year lived to witness. As the parish clerk has always formed an important functionary in the service of the church, and has had his endowments and revenues, this sketch would not be complete without some passing notice. I am not, however, able to give any connected list of the parish clerks. For the greater part of the last century James Stockell was the parish clerk. He seems to have been a useful man in the town and to have made the entries in the register and to have kept the parish accounts. He held the office at the time of the inclosure and was entitled for every ox-gang of land in the parish to one sheaf of wheat and another of barely and to certain lands and balks. In right of these lands and balks he was awarded 3 acres of new inclosed land in the West Field; but not in lieu of the sheaves of corn, which were to be received by him as usual. The taking of these sheaves was felt to be a difficult and unpleasant duty, and an arrangement was come to by Samuel Goodhind, a subsequent parish clerk, to receive a money payment in lieu of them. Christopher Laybourne was the successor to James Stockell. He held the office until 1831. He was no ordinary man. Besides possessing considerable musical abilities – as did also the whole of his family – he was also a mechanical genius, and was a self-taught clock and watch maker, and was form many years the postmaster. He married a daughter of the late William Conyers, one of the first solicitors who settled in Driffield above a century ago. Samuel Goodhind succeeded Christopher Laybourne in 1831. Samuel, too was a remarkable man. He was a native of Devonshire. He had been a soldier and was present at the battle of Corruna under Sir John Moore, and shared in all the vicissitudes of that fearful engagement. After serving 22 years in the Royal Artillery he was discharged, and came to reside in Driffield in 1820 as a wool comber, and was soon after appointed watchman of the town. Samuel had a splendid voice – loud, musical, distinct and clear. He proved himself a most useful man in the town. It was then customary to sing at each funeral through the streets. On these occasions Samuel was always at his post, giving out the hymns and leading the singing with his musical voice, heard above all the other singers. He also attended public meetings, acting as door keeper, and in leading the “National Anthem” or the “Old Hundred.” His “Praise God from whom all blessings flow” still rings in my ears. Samuel was a loyal subject. For many years he attended every Sunday at the Union Workhouse and prayed and sang with the aged and infirm who were unable to attend the Divine worship. He was remarkably affable and tolerant. He had a kind “How do you,” for everybody and was universally respected. When he died – some thirty years ago – he was followed to the grave by a large concourse of people, and “Vital Spark” was sung over his remains in the church. He was followed, I believe, by Messrs Hall and Johnson, as joint clerks. A curious custom exists at Driffield with which the parish clerk is identified – that of ringing what is called “the harvest bell.” It is supposed that the sheaves of wheat and barley to which he was entitled were given to him for his trouble. The origin of the custom may be attributed to expediency, when clocks and watches were few and far between, and the sun – “the shepherds’ clock” – was the only guide for the husbandman. In such cases it is easy to imagine that the bell of the church would be called into requisition to call the harvester to his daily toil in the early morn and at the close of the day to warn him to cease from his labour. Every morning at five and every evening at seven, during the harvest month, has this harvest bell pealed for centuries from the grey tower of the old parish church, telling the tale that “harvest had come,” and saying to the harvester, “put in the sickle.” It was the custom here up to some years past to ring the “passing bell” immediately after a death, indicating by so many strokes whether the deceased was a man, or a woman, or a child. The earliest parish registers date from 1538, when they were ordered to be kept by Cromwell, Henry VIII’s Vicegerent. Great Driffield Register Books commence in 1556. Baptisms in the years 1653, 1697 and 1698 are defective; so are burials in 1699 and marriages in 1713 and 1723. What a subject is an old parish register to ponder and reflect upon! It is the brief and silent record of the precincts of the parish during the last three centuries. Unfortunately, with few exceptions, all that is told us is that they were born – were married – and died. These simple annals of the parish only reveal to us that
“Once in the flight of ages past There lived a man; and who was he?”
With what pensive and mournful musings have I looked upon the signature to the entries of marriages – written, no doubt, by Francis Ellis, Esq., of Fort George, merchant, I find from an extract from a deed dated in 1711 that £52 of it was laid out in purchase of an ox-gang and half of land in Wetwang field and that by this deed it was settled by the vicar and the churchwardens and the executors of Francis Ellis that one half of the rents should be paid to the vicar for the time being for preaching a sermon on every Good Friday, and the other half to be laid out in necessary repairs of the church as the churchwardens should judge necessary. According to the terrier rendered in 1853, the revenues of the vicarage were stated to be a garden in Church-lane, where the vicar’s house formerly stood, containing about 16 perches; 8a. 0r. 3p of land in Wansford-lane, purchased with £200 granted by the Governors of Queen Annes’s Bounty; £400 by a Parliamentary grant in 1821; a benefaction by the Rev. Dr Rice, the prebendary, in 1825, of £200, to which the Governor’s of Queen Ann’s Bounty added £300; £800 of the three last mentioned sums were laid out in the purchase of two closes of grass land containing together 7a 1r 18p, on the Little Driffield Road; a common right, containing 3a 3r 3p, also on the Wansford Road; 25a 2r 20p of land at Wetwang; £29 8s 8d, the residue of the three last mentioned sums then in the hands of the Governor’s of Queen Anne’s Bounty; an annual sum of £2, granted by the Rev. Dr Fall out of the prebend; an annual rent charge of £100 in lieu of the small tithes and Easter offerings, and another annual rent charge of £27 15s in lieu of small tithes payable out of Elmswell and Kelleythorpe. By the same terrier the communion service is returned as a silver flagon, given by the above named Francis Ellis for the use of the church, and inscribed “31 May 1720,” and a silver tankard inscribed “William Porter – Thomas Gray – churchwardens – 1775.” I find from a note which has just turned up that a vestry meeting held on the 30th January 1828, George Laybourne was elected organist at a salary of £10, to find a blower out of it, and take lessons from Mr Lambert, organist, Beverley Minster. The churchyard having become crowded with burials, it was resolved at a vestry meeting held on the 17th Nov 1841, to purchase a piece of ground adjoining the church of Mr John Drinkrow, containing 2100 square yards for £420, the money to be raised in successive years. This piece of ground is what forms the new burial ground north of the church.
NOTE - For those interested in genealogy and who wondered about funerals for the un-baptized Driffield Times and General Advertiser, Apr 30, 1864 An inquest was held at Kilham on Monday on the body of a child, name of SMITH, 6 months old, who was found dead in the mother’s arms on Sunday morning. It is supposed that an apoplectic fit was the cause of death and the jury returned a verdict to that effect. Not having been baptized, the child was buried at night, without any funeral rites. THE LAST BURIALS AND THE FIRST GRAVE AT THE NEW CEMETERY Driffield Times and General Advertiser, Aug 26, 1865THE FIRST GRAVE Ever since the commencement of the works at the Cemetery, it has been, to the contemplative and moralising mind, a serious question as to whom should be the first interred in the new burial ground. Speculation would naturally point to some of our consumptive friends or relatives, or to some fever-visited or palsied neighbour; would it be some wearied life’s traveller, bending beneath the cares and afflictions of many years, or perchance it might be one in the spring-tide of youth, or a beloved infant just making debut on this mortal stage. Stern reality has, however, set all speculation aside and we find a five-weeks’ child the first to fill a tiny grave in the Dissenters’ section of “God’s acre.” The child was the infant son of Mr David Railton, draper, Middle-street, and the fact of this being the first interment, caused many to be present. The ceremony was conducted by the Rev C.G. Honor, the Primitive Methodist minister. The service read was simple and evangelical. An oration, or rather address, was given at the conclusion to the parents and sympathisers present. The painful and perplexing nature of the visitation was spoken of – painful to lose, as it were, so prematurely a darling child, and perplexing to think that God had given them a lovely child, and had so soon after taken it to himself. This was a great mystery; but what we know not now we shall know hereafter. Called to the skies to associate with angelic choirs, it would be an increased incentive to the parents and friends to follow the beloved child heavenwards. A general exhortation was then given, the speaker remarking that life is short and uncertain, and that those with the bloom of health on their cheek might soon be numbered with the clods of the valley Driffield Times and General Advertiser, Dec 2, 1865PARTIAL CLOSING OF THE OLD BURIAL GROUND On Wednesday afternoon P.H. Holland, Esq., from the Burial Acts Office, London, and her Majesty’s Inspector of Burial Grounds, visited Driffield for the purpose of inspecting the several places of sepulture in this town. After viewing the church yard in company with the vicar (the Rev G. Allen), J. Rawlinson, churchwarden, Messrs H. Angas, Thos Pickering, Thos Atkinson, Thos Hopper, Wm Witty, Jas Elgey, and others, it was determined that the church yard be closed forthwith to all parties excepting widows having late husbands interred there and widowers who have buried their late wives. The same decision was likewise mad with regard to the old burial places of the Independents in Exchange Street and Baptists grounds, at the bottom of Chapel lane. There is no doubt but many families will read this with no small degree of sorrow, as many have sleeping there, ancestors of many generations. The arrangement will, however, be a great public benefit, as by increasing the number of interments in the Cemetery, the burden of the ratepayers will be lessened; and as a sanitary measure, it must be for the benefit of the town.
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