The Isle of Axholme
Where You Live
Your Local History
Adapted by Anthony Catherall
ST ANDREWS PARISH CHURCH – EPWORTH The parish church is a collection of architectural building periods extending from the 12 th century. The remnants of the Early English Period of architecture (1189-1272) can be seen in the Chancel Arch and the aisle arcades. Between 1272 and 1377 the architectural age was the Decorated period. This is represented by the window in the west end of the north aisle that is now used as a choir vestry; also the windows of the chancel are of this period. The lion motif of the Mowbray family can be seen on the West Wall inside the North Porch. Between 1377 and 1547 was the Perpendicular Period. The Tower, the clerestory and many windows and battlements constructed over the aisles, were built in this period. The Priest’s Vestry is also of this period. During the Civil War, fanatics desecrated the church so that only the walls were left standing. The church was rebuilt from the ruins with alterations. For instance the Chancel was made smaller. There were two chantries at one time, now the organ occupies one and the other at the end of the south aisle has disappeared. In 1868 the church was renovated. The Nave was re-floored, the north and south aisles were re-roofed and a new pulpit, altar and altar rails were installed. Within the church are a number of objects of historic interest. There are two chairs that date from the 16th and 17th centuries. There is also the old parish chest from the 16th century where parish records were kept. The Church Register dates from 1538 showing baptisms, weddings and funerals as ordered by Thomas Cromwell, minister of HenryV111. There was a Mazor Bowl dating from 1525 made out of wood but this was sold in 1947 for £1000,00. The church has eight bells, of which were recast in 1937 together with a Coronation Bell (note F). The grave of Samuel Wesley is of obvious historic interest. In 1742 when revisiting Epworth, John Wesley offered to take the morning services at the church, but the curate, Rev. John Romley, rejected his offer. In the evening, however Wesley took his father’s tombstone as a pulpit and preached to a vast crowd. In the first decade of the 21st century restoration was extensively carried out including installation of solar panels on the chancel roof. Bibliography: - Epworth – Home of the Wesleys – Le Cato Edwards The History of the Isle of Axholme – Re. W.B. Stonehouse M.A.
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