Church History
For over 600 years now people have come to this House of God. Very little
now remains of the original building; the Porch, and the very fine window to
the west of the Porch as you enter and the Font. The first major
restoration took place when the present tower was added - there may have
been on there before - in the perpendicular style, and the cinquefoil
windows put in. Then in 1640, as you are reminded as you approach the
Porch, some of the walls were rebuilt, most of the windows altered, and the
carved work added. The Jacobean character remains, and the Pulpit, Screen
and some of the Pews are originals. To these were added the very elegant
wall brackets on the Screen and the Chandelier. These were given in 1713 by
John Gould, whose family made several gifts to the Church. The Parish
Dower Chest in the Chancel is of interest, and is said to be one of three of
its pattern - The other two being in the Bank of Ireland. Note also the
fine Royal Arms of James I. There are some good 17th and 18th century
monuments to the Russell, Gould and the White families, and more recently to
the Floyer family, 1811 - 1927. The Bells, of which there are only three,
are all by Wallis, and are dated 1595 and two 1620. Thomas Hardy, in his
novel, Tess of the D'Urbevilles refers to the three bells of
Talbothayes parish Church which were rung at Tess' wedding; although he
seems to have moved Talbothayes a mile or so further from Dorchester, this
charming little village Church has ever since been associated with "Tess".
Then in 1898, in memory of Canon Smith, the east end was extended, and the
Altar and Sanctuary rails moved to their present position, while the Screen
was moved to the site of the original east wall, and an east window of the
period was put in. Canon Smith, who was Rector for 59 years, and his
family, gave many gifts as memorials, the Reredos, most of the Pictures and
the Austrian wood-carving. The latest restoration was completed in 1970,
when we tried to restore and maintain its Jacobean character. You may note
in the list of Rectors, the name of the Archdeacon of Dorset (Dr William
England), who had the
reputation, possibly exaggerated, of being a notable smuggler. Since 1966,
the Archdeacons of Sherborne have been Rectors, but we trust engaged on more
respectable (if less profitable) activities! So much for the past: But a
Church has to live on, and West Stafford, like villages up and down the
country, is finding it hard to keep the fabric and furnishings in the
quality and beauty they deserve. We are a very small village and community
and are grateful for help; so of your charity help us to preserve this
little gem of a Church that has been entrusted to us. But especially -
also of your charity - pause; and remember us in your prayers. |
