The Church of St. John the Baptist : Page 4
The Lady Chapel and Crossing
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At the end of the South-East Chapel (the Lady Chapel) is a remarkable monument of 1668 to Anne Prowse. The figure has been over-painted and looks almost Victorian , but the rash of cherubs and angels (or are they mermaids?) is quite overpowering. The angel on top should have a trumpet. In front stands the altar cloth which took Abigail Prowse seven years to embroider. The window above was given in memory of Ann Hippisley. The Lady Chapel is in regular use, especially by the Mothers' Union and in support of Operation Mobilisation missionaries. In the crossing is a fine fan-vault, with a circular opening through which the bells can be passed for repair. The ringing chamber is immediately above. The eighteenth-century ironwork cross suspended there used to support a fine brass chandelier - sadly, this was stolen some years ago. Notice the repaired chip on the chancel step - apparently the result of some careless handling of a bell after recasting! |
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The pillar in the chapel is pierced by a squint, which gives a view of the altar. It is supposed to have been used by people who, for some reason, were not allowed to approach the altar. |


