St. Augustine of Canterbury, East Hendred, Berkshire

Description

The church of St. Augustine of Canterbury is a building of stone, consisting of chancel, nave of eight bays, aisles and an embattled western tower, with open quatrefoiled parapet and pinnacles, containing 6 very fine bells, rehung in 1889, and a clock dated 1525, with quarter chimes, and remarkable for its hymn tune played every three hours: a striking feature of the interior is an arcade of slender piers without arches separating the two south aisles, of which the eastern-most pier is original; the Early English piers are also notable; there is also a canopied rood loft and a lectern of the 15th century, and a fine Jacobean pulpit: in the church are brasses to Henry Eldysley and his brother Roger Eldysley, both merchants, 1439, with one effigy; to John Eyston, 1589, with his effigy in armour, Jane (Burington or Burton) his wife, and 5 children and an inscription of 10 verses; and one with inscription only to William Whitwey, clothier and woolman, 1479: a new organ was provided at Christmas, 1902: the church was enlarged and restored in 1861 and affords 405 sittings.

Church Records

The parish register dates from the year 1537.