Dodford, Northamptonshire

St. Mary (parish church)

The church of St. Mary is an edifice of stone in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave of four bays, north aisle, south porch, north vestry, and a low western tower with pinnacles, containing 6 bells, dating from 1614 to 1847: the church, founded at the Conquest, was rebuilt by Ralph de Keynes in 1100, the tower and north chapel being added by William de Keynes in 1221, and the existing chancel erected by the lay rector in 1850: within the church are several ancient brasses, one of which commemorates Bridget, second wife of John Wyrley esq. of Dodford, ob. 1637: there is another with effigies of a knight in plate armour, and a lady in wimple and long loose robe, to William Wylde esq. ob. 1422, and Cecilia, his wife: a third brass with effigies of a knight in plate armour, and a lady in wired head dress and full-sleeved gown, is inscribed to John Cressy esq. ob. 1414, and Christina (Wylde), his wife, ob. 1400, daughter of the preceding William and Cecilia Wylde: there is also a low and plain altar tomb, formed of five slabs of Purbeck marble, with an effigy of the same material, representing a knight in that rare style of armour known as "banded mail," covered with a surcoat, and bearing a shield with the arms of Keynes; the figure is believed to commemorate the last Sir William de Keynes, who died 1305: under an arch in the north wall lies the dismembered wooden effigy of Hawise, mother of the last Sir Robert de Keynes, who was living in 1329: immediately in front of this monument is an altar-tomb, with freestone effigy of her great grand-daughter, Wentiliana de Keynes, lady of the manor of Dodford, and the last of this family, who died unmarried in 1376: upon a high tomb of alabaster, panelled and enriched with figures of angels holding shields, is the effigy of a knight in plate armour, with collar of SS and inscription to Sir John Cressy, who erected the chancel screen in 1440 and died in 1444: on the north wall is a monument with arms to Henry Benson esq. lord of this manor, d. 14 Nov. 1725, Elizabeth Christiana, his eldest daughter, 1730, and Jane Grey, his youngest daughter, who married Lucy Knightley esq. of Fawsley, d. 3 Dec. 1731: the east and west windows are stained, and in the north aisle are memorial windows to the Hewitt family, 1860-78: the oak lectern, a memorial to the Rev. John Floyer Wickes M.A. 12 years curate here, was presented by his son in 1886: there is a cylindrical Norman font: the organ was erected by subscription in 1892: the church was thoroughly restored and reseated during the period 1879-84, at a cost of £1,400, and affords 260 sittings. A complete list of the vicars from 1260 is kept in the church.