ORDSALL: THE PARISH CHURCH.
This edifice, in its exterior appearance, is neat and somewhat antiquated; the tower is considerably more modern than the body, but there are no records to my knowledge, at present in existence, to show the positive date of either. It is quite certain, however, that it was founded about the middle of the thirteenth century. At that period, the principal part of Ordsall was the property of the Hercys, of Grove, to whom the advowson of this church belonged; in this family the patronage continued until the death of Sir John Hercy in 1570, when his immense property was divided amongst his eight surviving sisters, the Ordsall estate was given to Francis Mackworth, Esq. of Empingham, in Rutlandshire, who had married Ellen, the seventh sister, but the advowson became the property of George Neville, Esq., who, at the same time came to the estate at Grove, by marrying Barbara, the fifth sister; afterwards the living came to Thomas Cornwallis, Esq., who sold it to Lady Wortley; who finally settled it along with the, ancient estate, on her eldest son; it was disposed of some years afterwards, but the patronage of the living is still vested in the descendants of that family.
The interior of the church is in a very poor state of repair, more especially the pewing. It is greatly to be regretted that this should be the case, as the village is improving, and the living of a superior kind.
The tower, which is lofty and pinnacled, contains three bells, and previous to the year 1823, was in an excellent state of repair, at that time, however, it was struck by lightning, and towards the top sustained considerable damage; the south-east pinnacle was completely shattered to pieces; since then the damage has been repaired.
In the ecclesiastical history of this place, two very remarkable instances of persecution occur, which are particularly deserving of notice;—the first is the case of the Rev. William Denman, who, in the popish times of Queen Mary, appears to have sacrificed this living to his strong attachment to the protestant cause; afterwards, in the more tolerant reign of her successor, Queen Elizabeth, he was fully restored to his benefice, and died at a good old age, bequeathing to posterity an example of firmness and perseverance in the religion which he had embraced, well worthy of imitation. The other is the case of the Rev. Marmaduke Moore, also rector of this parish, whose paternal estate, on the 18th of November, 1652, was forfeited "for treason," and himself sequestrated from his living, "for the heinous and damnable offence of playing at cards, three several times, with his own wife!!!" a genuine specimen this of the principles (!) which actuated the Rump Parliament, during the fanatical and puritanical times of the commonwealth!
The monuments and monumental inscriptions are not numerous, nor, with one or two exceptions, are they particularly interesting. In the north aisle is an ancient mural monument, uncommonly beautified with whitewash; the upper part, which projects, is supported by pillars; in the centre of the tablet is the figure of a man kneeling, having a desk and book open before him; round his neck the broad ruff, much worn in the time of Queen Elizabeth; there is no inscription whatever to show for whom it was erected. Within the altar rails, on a brass plate, is the following.
Hic jacet Dms stephanus Coe in Artibus Magester qvondam Rector Istivus Ecciesia qvi aminam deo reddidit sexto Aprilis anno dm. 1614.
On the same floor stone, and nearly in the centre,
Here lyeth interd the body of the truly just and vertuous Robert Coe, at Ordsall, gent. who departed this life for a better, March the 23rd, in the year of our blessed Lord 1718, and in the 74th year of his age.
On another to the north is as follows,
"Quatis vitae fuus Ita," this is to the memory of the wife of the above.
Another on the north side of the chancel.
Johananes Pigot, A. M. Ecclesiae Cathedralis et Metropolitaniae Cantariae a sex Concionatoribus Ecciesiae Southwell Canonicus et hujus Ecc1esiae Rector obijt Aug. 21, A. D. 1727, annus natus. Elizabethae uxoris ejus cineres juxta sunt deposite obijt Jan. 4th, A. D. 17.8, 60 annus natae.
On a plate in the south aisle,
Here lyeth the body of JOHN JOHNSON, who died October 10th, 1680. and was buried November 1st, in the 43rd year of his age; he was the son of Stephen Johnson, of Ordsal1, and Anne his wife, and married Catharine, the daughter of Wm. Brownlow, of Ossington, by whom he had issue one son, Stephen, deceased, and one daughter Elizabeth surviving, aged 11 years. The memory of the just is blessed.
The following inscription to the memory of the Rev. William Denman, before mentioned, was formerly in the church, but I do not find it there at present.
Filius Armigeri mihi mater militi hoeres,
Nomine sum Denman, arte magister eram.
Pastorem Ordsalie Mariae regnante remotum
Restituit princeps Elizabetha gregi.
Continuo & feci caperet Retfordia fructus
Progredier si qui Religione student.
Pauperibus struxisse domos Ordsalia novit,
Mole sub hac tandem mortuus ecce cubo.
Mortuus! Ah fallor, vitam traduco beatus,
Terra cadaver habet, spiritus astra colit.
The most recent monuments are belonging to the family of the Masons, on one of which, is as follows.
Sacred to the memory of ANNE MASON, of Eaton, in this county, who was born the 10th March 1743 and died the 8th, January, 1795; and
Catharine Mason, of Eaton, in this county, who was born the 6th, October, 1745, and died the 18th May, 1807; and George Mason, Esq. of Eaton, in this county, who was born the 18th, July, 1741, and died the 30th, June, 1800.
On another opposite to the above,
Sacred to the memory of WM. MASON, Esq. of Welham, who was born the 20th, January 1747, and died 21st, September. 1803. JANE, relict of William Mason, Esq. of Welham, born 28th, March, 1751, and died 12th, February, 1823.
In the south aisle is a table of benefactions, and a monument to the memory of Richard Brownlow, of Thrumpton; also of Mrs. Anne Turnell, his daughter.
The font is plain, and cannot boast of much antiquity.
The living is a rectory, in the gift of the Right Hon. Lord Wharncliffe; it was valued at £24 when Mr. Hercy was patron, ‘tis now valued in the king books £19. 10s. 7d. and pays for tenths, £1. 19s. 03/4d.; for synodals, 4s.; for first fruits, 7s. 6d.; and for procurations, 6s. 8d. Rector,—Rev. F. Foxlowe.
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