Download The History and Antiquities of the Hundred of Compton, Berks Book in PDF, ePub and Kindle
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1844 edition. Excerpt: ... which may be thus translated into English verse: --" Our Christian Baptism, and terrestrious Bed, Join us with Christ, whom Death hath captive led; Man's soul a Virgin is, most meet to be His spouse throughlife, to all eternity." The church, a very ancient structure, dedicated to St. Mary, stands considerably to the north of the due east point, and to the south of the west; a singularity which may thus be explained. On the foundation of a church in ancient times, the vigil of the dedication feast was observed with great solemnity, and towards that point in the horizon where the sun arose the next morning, the chancel was invariably directed. This edifice being dedicated to St. Mary, whose feast-day was July 22nd, the sun would that morning, of course, rise considerably northwards of the due east point; which accounts for the irregularity in the situation of this church. The chancel is of the reign of Henry ii., having at the east end two lancet windows with rounded heads; the nave is also of the early English style, but several large windows have been inserted at a later period. The tower, on which appears the date 1614, is a substantial structure, in the Tudor style of the sixteenth century. There is a peal of six bells, on which are the following rhymes: --" I mean to make it understood, That though I'm little, I am good." " Good people all who hear us ring, Be faithful to your God, and King." " Such wondrous power to Music's given, It elevates the Soul to Heaven." " Ye ringers all that prize your health, and happiness, Be sober, merry, wise, and you will them possess." On the fifth is the maker's name, with the date, 1775; when the whole peal was recast. In the masonry, on the north side of the nave, appear three pointed arches, which, ...