St. Mary, East Ilsley, Berkshire

Description

The church of St. Mary is a small building of stone and rubble in mixed styles, consisting of chancel, nave of three bays, aisles, north porch and low embattled western tower of the Decorated period, containing 5 bells, dated 1412-1625, and a clock: the south arcade of the nave has Transition Norman arches, but the south aisle is Early English, the north being modern: the church was enlarged and re-pewed in 1845, and in 1881-2 the south aisle was restored and the fine old roof disclosed; the entrance to the rood loft and a piscina were also discovered; the gallery in front of the west window was removed, a Norman font, which was found under the pulpit, restored and placed in the centre of the basement of the tower, the chancel re-decorated and a stained window inserted at the east end: in the chancel is a marble slab, with arms, inscribed to the Rev. Joseph Barnes A.M. rector, d. 1753, and to his wife, d. 1721; in the aisle is a brass, placed by their daughter Katherine, to the wife of William Hildeslea, ob. January, 1606, having survived him 30 years; the churchyard contains memorials to the Rev. Thomas Loveday, 34 years rector, d. 1873, and his wife, d. 1845; four stained windows were presented, in 1896-7, by the late James Grey esq.: there are 250 sittings.

Church Records

The register dates from November, 1653.