Mexborough & Swinton Times – Friday 18 November 1892

Successful Church Bazaar.

History of the Church

A three days’ bazaar which has happily terminated with gigantic success, was opened in the Market Hall, Mexborough, on Tuesday afternoon on by Countess Fitzwilliam. The object of the bazaar-a laudable one – was to raise funds to clear off the debt attaching to the Parish Church.

In order to furnish our readers with full information respecting the ancient fane, we subjoin the following particulars.

Documentary evidence shows that there was a church is Mexborough very soon after the Norman Conquest in 1066 and the edifice itself supplies proof that a portion of it (even as it now is) is part of the original structure. Previous to the recent restoration there were signs, tolerably clear, that the building had passed through three several stages.

First, the original erection shown by the two round pillars and plain square capitals on the north side of the nave, which would date from 1080 to 1100. Secondly, the doorway found in the wall under the arch nearest west not only witness to the taking down of the north aisle and the building up to the arches, but also to the date when this was done, probably between 1260 and 1280; and thirdly. the two windows that existed is the north wall spoke of another alteration having been made between 1400 and 1410.

The next thought is who were the founders? Most probably they were two of the owners of the manors of the parish of Mexborough. These two, while uniting to build the church, chose to keep their gifts of land etc for its endowment separate, and so the endowment consisted of two portions or medieties. Each founder appointed his own person, whose maintenance was supply by the mediety. One f there medieties came very early into the hands of Swain Fitz Ailric, who gave it to the Priory of Nostril, and this grant was confirmed by Thurston, Archbishop of York in 1130. The other founder kept his half or mediety in his own hands, and continued to appoint a parson to it. However. in the next generation the second mediety fell into the hands of the great yeoman family who held the first, and after the death of Swain’s son Adam, it descended to Adam de Montbegon, the husband of the aforesaid Adam’s youngest daughter. Adam de Montbegon presented his half of the advowson, together with the whole manor of Mexborough, to the Priory of Monk Bretton and thus the two medieties of the advowson of Mexborough church mime to belong to the two religious houses of Nostell and Bretton.

Each house had its share of the revenues, and each house continued to present its parson, so that 1247 there were two parsons of Mexborough with concurrent powers, one presented by Nostell, the other by Monk Bretton.

At this time (1247) the Archbishop of York was Walter Gray, a very remarkable man. He was also Lord Chancellor of England. Welter Gray founded the Archdeaconry of York, and for its endowment he entered into an agreement with the Prior and Convent of Nostell for the mediety of the parsonage of Mexborough, held by the Priory, to be surrendered to the Archdeacony. This was effective at the above date. The Archbishop did not, however, live to see his whole plan completed, but the instructions which he had left behind were eventually carried out, and in 1263 Archbishop Ludham sanctioned the transfer of the mediety held by the Prior and Convent of Bretton to the Archdeaconry. From that year the Archdeacons of York became Parsons or Rectors, appointed priests with the title of “Perpetual Curate” to the cure of souls, and that arrangement has continued to the present day, a period of nearly 630 years. During this long turn the Fabric of the Church suffered many things, at many hands, either in the way of meanly carried alterations, or in rough repair. Almost every vestige of archaeological interest had disappeared at the time when the recent restoration was begun, and though sundry mural paintings were brought to light, showing that nearly every wall apace had been enriched with painting, yet whitewash in multitudinous coats had effectually done its work and prevented any deciphering of the legends or possibility of restoring them.

Previous to recent alterations, the Church consisted of Tower with Spire, a Nave, square-ended Chancel, South Aisle and Porch. It is in evidence that at the East-end of the South Aisle there had been formerly a Lady Chapel. and there were not wanting almost sure proofs that such had been the fact. The Vestry is only a modern addition, built in 1871. The recent Restoration was commenced in 1890, and the Church was re-opened by the Patron, the archdeacon of York, on September 22nd, 1891.

The works carried out have been the opening out of the Arches in the North Wall —the building of a North Aisle,—a new Tower Arch, and new Chancel Arch,— new Arcading and Walling from Parapet to Pillar Bases – new South Aisle and Porch, – extension of the Chancel by the building of an apse – New Organ Chamber,–opening out a Lancet Window in North Wall of Chancel,— complete Renewal of 3 – Light Perpendicular In Chancel,—new Oak Roof to Chancel, the Church throughout,—the Heating and lighting arrangements remodelled and —General Repair of whole Fabric, – Enlargement of the Stokery Chamber, etc. etc

Apart from the above, gifts of a Stone Pulpit, Oak Chancel Screen, and five Stained Glass Windows have been made to the Church, also sundry movable gifts. Considering the fine architectural designing, the amount and quality of the work done, the Promoters may fairly challenge comparison on the score and excellency of work, and economy of cost with any Church Restoration that as been effected in South Yorkshire, and they feel that whatever any critics may allege, their work will have the approval of every intelligent and generous visitor to the Church.

Without hesitation it may be safely asserted the church is now by far the neatest and comeliest little temple of praise in the district.

The improvements and extension have not been without cost, and it may at once be stated that a sum of £800 has necessarily been expended on the work. Of this amount £1100 has already been paid, which leaves £700 to be still defrayed.

With a view to raising this outstanding debt, it was decided several months ago to hold a bazaar and. be it said to the credit of the friends and supporters of the church a band of willing and devoted workers came forward with help. Those who were able to give, gave with a willing hand, whilst those who were not in the same fortunate position, none the less cheerily came forward and helped with their labour.