St Matthew's Church
The church stands on elevated ground in the centre of the village, it is built in red brick on stone in Norman and early English styles with plastered internal walls. It consists of a nave, south porch, Norman tower, chancel and vestry. The tower has three bells and a clock.
Behind the church is a green where an archaeological dig found evidence of a 14th century manor house; parts of the moat are still visible.
Students have visited the church to study the fine beamed roof as a good example of vernacular architecture.
The origins of the church are obscure. In Kelly’s Staffordshire Directory for 1924 it is written that the origins of the church may be Saxon dating back to the 9th century. It is probably referred to in the Kings Book of 1535 as ‘Clifton cum Capella’, previously it may have been a domestic chapel attached to the estate of the Vernon family (Relations of the Vernons of Sudbury Hall).
Harlaston was constituted as an Ecclesiastical Parish in 1845. It is apparent from the Vestry minutes at that time the church was in danger of falling down. The major restoration was finished in 1883; this included rebuilding the tower moving the main door from the west wall of the tower to the south wall of the nave and building a porch, general repairs to the rest of the church and new seating.
The stained glass is Victorian and modern. Susan Neville of Haselour House endowed the large fine east window in 1894 in memory of her brother and parents it depicts the Ascension curiously with twelve disciples. The oldest visible structures in the church are the timber trusses supporting the bell-loft; these have been dated 15th century. Of the three bells, the middle bell is the earliest, probably cast around 1500, with an interesting dedication leading to much speculation; there is a fairly detailed summary of this in the booklet ‘St Matthews Harlaston Village’ available in the church.
The small bell is dated 1694. The organ was initially installed in 1867. It had a single manual and was bought second-hand for £57-5s-10d. It was rebuilt to its present form in 1946 in memory of those who gave their lives in the world wars. Since then the church has been rewired, the heating been modernised and the lovely Victorian tiled floor relayed.
The church has been able to modernise the tower room, with a drinks preperation area and toilet, as well as install a sound system and renew the lighting.
Another excerpt - source unknown states:
Harlaston, St Matthew's is Grade 11. Mainly 1882-3 by Ewan Christian but retains some early C13 coursed and square sandstone blocks; plain tile roof with crested ridge tiles. West tower, 3-bay nave, 2 bay chancel and north-east vestry. West tower: early C13 with C19 restoration; one stage with hipped roof surmounted by a timber framed bell turret with pyramidal roof; C13 lancet windows to north and south, C19 east window in a 15 style, 3 cinquefoil arched lights with pierced spandrels beneath a square head.
Nave: Decorated style windows of 2 trefoil arched lights with quatrefoil over, beneath a segmental pointed arch, the north-west window has 3 cinquefoil arched lights; pointed south doorway with double ogee moulded surround and hood stone plinthprobably comprised of re-used C13 stonework; north and south windows similar to those of the nave, pointed east window of 3 lights and reticulated tracery, hood mould terminating in heads.
Vestry: Caernarvon arch to the north and lateral stack to the west of it; east window similar to those of nave and chancel, single-light west window with trefoil arched light under a segmental pointed head. Interior: C13 tower arch, pointed and double chamfered; 2 massive medieval timber framed trusses supporting the west turret, each has a pair of quasi-aisle posts, tie beam and arch braces, the inner face of each post has a chamfered fillet; segmental arch on the north side of the chancel, pointed vestry door immediately east of it. Fittings: C19 circular stone font, the pedistal has 4 nook shafts with moulded bases and capitals. Monuments: tablet to Anne Lady Egerton, died 1726, open base pediment, foliated scrolls to the sides and cherub's head to the bottom; Webb family tablet, circa 1840, egg and dart frieze; table to William Darlaston Webb, died 1863, the base has a frieze with inlaced pattern, surmounted by a heraldic frieze flanked by scrolls. Stained glass: good east window depicting the ascension.
Windows at St Matthew's
Vestry Minutes circa 1800's
The windows were obviously receiving consideration and over the next few months it is recorded that it was agreed to allow three obituary windows and an East window of stained glass to be put in by Reverend R.R.Bloxham, W.Webb Esq., and Thos Flavell, Esq. It will be seen from the section on the windows that the East window was later moved to make way for another one.
Window at St Matthew's
In 1851/52 an East Window was given by Mr Taylor and this appears to have been a plain window, or at least the records do not show it as stained.
In 1852 the above window was apparently removed and replaced with a stained glass window which was given with three obituary windows by Rev R. R. Bloxham, W.D. Webb Esq., and Thos. Flavell, Esq.
Around 1861 two Chancel Windows with four scriptural pieces were given by Mr and Mrs Webb as a thank offering for the birth of Mrs Charles Webb's child.
The Ascension
Susan Neville of Haselour House endowed the large fine east window in 1894 in memory of her brotherJohn Neville, J.P., of Haselour Hall, who died on Ascension Day in 1892, aged 77 years, and of her parents, Thomas and Mary Neville. The subject of this window is 'The Ascension'. This window arouses more than the usual interest because it shows 12 Apostles.
Memorial window
In 2007 a memorial window, for Evan Mercer, was put in in recognition of his 43 years service as Church Warden. The artwork recognises his rural farmers way of life; his dedication to St. Matthew's Church and his love of cricket.
Window in memory of Evan Mercer
click here to read about the service of dedication
There have been many events staged in, or to aid, St Matthew's Church. Click here for more information.
The following history of St Matthews has been taken from a brief history book 'A Centenary Celebration - St Matthew's Church 1883 - 1983 by John Walters - Priest in Charge:
Little is recorded about St.Matthew's Church prior to Harlaston being constituted and Ecclesiastical Parish in 1845. Before this Harlaston was a Chapelry to Clifton Parish. The date of origin of the Church is not known. It is suggested in Kelly's Staffordshire Directory for 1924 (though not in the 1904 edition) that it is Saxon and dates back to the 9th century.
The Rev. Henry Norris, in his History of Haselour Hall in 1894, writes that St. Matthew's may have originally been a domestic chapel attached to the estate of the Vernons but that it almost certain that it became a Parochial Chapel in its very early days. He also suggests that it was referred to as 'Clifton cum Capella' in the King's Book of 1535.
The Church is built of red brick in Norman and early English styles, consisting of a Nave, South Porch and Norman Tower with three bells and a clock.
The register in the Church dates back to 1693, but it is thought likely that an earlier one does exist.
The first Rector for Harlaston Parish was Reverend Richard Rowland Bloxham, M.A., and he was, of course, the first occupant of the Rectory.
It is apparent from Vestry Minutes dating from 1851 that one of the first priorities of the Rector and members of the Committee was the restoration of the church. Reports were obtained from a Surveyor and from William Slater, Architect of Regent Street, London. These showed that there were settlements in the old walls to such an extent as to render any mere repairs impracticable; the roof and timbers of the Tower were severely decayed and the old Gothic arch leading from the tower to the church was in a ruinous state. It was recommended that a new tower of simple design and proportion should be erected. The Architect estimated the cost at £280 (approx. £38,000 in 2018), not including a spire which he suggested should be added later.
At the first recorded meeting of the Vestry on 9th December 1851 it was resolved to carry out the work and to borrow a sum not exceeding £250.
In a letter to the Reverend Bloxham of 10th April 1852, H.J. Pye, Esq., Patron of Clifton Hall, suggested that it may be wise to confine attention at that time to repairs which were absolutely necessary in the belief that it might be possible at some future period to rebuild the Church without asking rate-payers to change their rates.
The windows were obviously receiving consideration and over the next few months it is recorded that it was agreed to allow three obituary windows and an East window of stained glass to be put in by Rev, R. R. Bloxham, W. Webb, Esq., and Thos. Flavell, Esq. It will be seen on the section on windows that the East window was later moved to make way for another one.
At a meeting on 12th December 1861 an offer was revealed from Mrs Webb of £200 (approx. £23,000 in 2018) for a new roof if there was a new tower. At the same meeting offers totalling £350 (approx. £40,000 in 2018) were received for the rebuilding of the tower, etc. In 1862 Mr. Webb promised to take sole responsibility of the building of the tower.
As a matter of interest, in the meantime, in 1856 the Vestry Meeting considered the alteration of the pews for the purpose of erecting an organ, but decided against it. However, an organ was installed in 1867.
An interesting footnote to the Minutes of the meeting in April 1858 read:- "N.B - Mr. Hellaby, on part of the Parish, refused to accept the Finger Organ which I have put in the Church. "signed.... R.R. Bloxham
It is believed that from around 1870 the health of Rev. Bloxham deteriorated and in 1875 her relinquished his post. From 1875 the Rev. J.B. Swann was Priest in Charge until 18th May 1877 when he was inducted as Rector.
Although, strangely, there is no mention of it in the Minutes, the restoration took place in 1882/1883. The drawings, specifications and conditions of contract were prepared by Mr Christian of 8 Whitehall Place, London and were signed by all parties on 13th June 1882.
The Millennium Screen @ St. Matthew's AD2000 by Deborah Lowe
Find out here about who gave donations, and why.
Bells at St Matthew's
There are three bells in the Tower of St. Matthew's. They are contained in a three bell, wooden frame which is thought to have been installed at the restoration.
The smallest bell
The smallest bell has a diameter of 23.5 inches and has the inscription: "All praise and glory be to God, 1634". Mr John F. Mulvey of Tamworth reported in 1973, after carrying out research on the Bells, that he thought this was probably cast by T. Hancox II of Walsall, as a slightly larger bell than this was supplied to Wolverhampton Parish Church which had similar lettering.
The second bell
The second bell has a diameter of 25 inches and is inscribed "Ora Pro Nobis Beata Eliena" in mediaeval capitals. Mr. Mulvey translates this as "St. Helen pray for us" and very rare. He suggests that it was cast well before the Reformation, probably about 1500, and very rare. He gave two possible reasons for it being in a church dedicated to St. Matthew. Firstly, it may have been the patron Saint of the donor, unless the Church's dedication has changed, and secondly that it may have been purchased from a Church with such a dedication, the nearest of which is Ashby de la Zouch. He thinks this is possible, as as that time of the Reformation the religious communities and private chantries had their bells confiscated and they were either sold for scrap or bought by other churches. He also states that in the Inventory of 1553 it was mentioned that Harlaston had mortgaged its second bell in order to reshingle its chapel roof. Also that there was a private bell in the chapel belonging to the ancestors of Sir Richard Vernon. * See below for additional information.
The third bell
The third and largest bell is not so interesting. It has a diameter of 27 inches and has the inscription: "J. Warner & Sons, Crescent Foundary, London, 1856".
*additional information on the second bell
However, the Rev, Norris, Author of a book called "The History of Haselour" in 1894 also makes a reference to this particular bell in St. Matthew's Church and quotes its inscription. He also offers alternative explanations for its being there as follows:-
"It was by no means unusual in early days to dedicate church bells to the Patron Saints of those who gave them or of those in whose memory they were set up and there is reason to believe that this course was adopted by Harlaston. It may be impossible now to ascertain with absolute certainty of whom this bell is a memorial, but there were two members of local families bearing the name in the fourteenth century who may have been thus commemorated.
Harlaston till very recent days was included within the Parish of Clifton and although it may have originally have been a domestic Chapel attached to the Manor of the Vernons, yet it is well nigh certain that it became a parochial chapel and was probably that referred to as "Clifton cum capella" in the King's Book of 1535.
It is known that the coheiresses of Sir William de Camville I 1337 were Matilda and Eleon0ra; that Eleonora conceded all right in Clifto to her sister, Matilda and that Matilda became the wife of Sir Richard Vernon of Harlaston. Now Matilda commemorated her family and their alliances in a magnificent window of painted glass in Clifton Church; may she not have commemorated her sister, Eleanora, by the presentation of this bell to the Church of Harlaston.
But there is an alternative that presents itself with some show of reason. In the year 1349, Hugh de Hopwas was presented to the Rectory of Elford by Sir John de Ardenne and Ellena (De Wasteways) his wife. In 1353 he was presented by Sir Richard Stafford to the Rectory of Clifton and during his tenure of that office Sir Thomas de Ardenne, the son of his early Patrons, married Catherine de Stafford, the daughter and subsequent heiress of the Lord of Clifton, thus ultimately uniting the Lordships of Clifton, Elford and Haselour. In 1361 Hugh de Hopwas founded a Chantry in Clifton Church "for the welfare of Richard de Stafford and Maud his wife and the soul of Isobel his former wife". and since Hugh is known to have been exceedingly generous in his benefactions, and especially mindful that the Harlaston bell have have been set up by him as a memorial of Elena de Ardenne? The problem perchance my never be satisfactorily solved, but at all events the evident antiquity of the bell renders neither of the above suppositions untenable."
Either of the above possible explanations for the bell being at Harlaston Church is quite feasible, but it may be thought that a reference to the Vernons in each of the gentlemen's suggestions tends to give more support to the theory involving the Vernon family. The matter remains open to discussion, but it is evident that in Harlaston Church we have a very, very old and rare bell.
Memorials at St Matthews
At the front left of the church, close to the altar is the memorial to the Egerton and Wolferstan family.
Tablet to Anne Lady Egerton, died 1726, open base pediment, foliated scrolls to the sides and cherub's head to the bottom.
Part of a memorial window dedicated to Winnie and Percy Wallis
Prior to the current pews some of the church pews were gated to ensure that families seats were not used in error.
John Webb's gate is preserved on the wall for prosperity.
Parish Magazine 2017
Mrs Nesta Hillier lived in the village for many years. She was a member of the Church Council and devoted supporter of St. Matthew's Church. Her family have very kindly donated some new communion rail kneelers in her memory. These will be dedicated at a special service on St Matthew's day, September 24th at 4pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Taken from the Parish Magazine 2018
St. Matthew's Church Cushion Crusade.
A Harlaston resident recently celebrated his 80th birthday and requested that money be donated to St. Matthew's Church in lieu of presents. The family decided that the money should be put towards cushions made for the pews in order to make the church more comfortable and welcoming.
It has been suggested that we roll out the opportunity for villagers to join the 'Cushion Crusade'. Each cushion would be supplied with an embroidered label which would state the donor's name and the occasion. The cost would be approximately £120 per cushion, but obviously the more people that are involved the cheaper each cushion would be.
If you are interested in joining the Cushion Crusade contact Patricia Hill (Secretary of Harlaston PCC) on 01827 383900 or hill.hydaways@gmail.com for more information.
An early photograph of St Matthew's - note wooden gates
A later photograph of St Matthew's with the bus shelter in the foreground.
Vestry Minutes circa 1800's (please note this does not seem to be a complete collection, but what has been found is being preserved C. Jackson 2024. This excerpt is listed as page 10)
The windows were obviously receiving consideration and over the next few months it is recorded that it was agreed to allow three obituary windows and an East window of stained glass to be put in by Reverend R.R.Bloxham, W.Webb Esq., and Thos Flavell, Esq. It will be seen from the section on the windows that the East window was later moved to make way for another one.
The business of putting things in order, and recording them properly continued and a 'Perfect Terrier' (Register) was drawn up with the approval of the Bishop of Lichfield giving a description of all buildings, land and property belonging to the Church, including goods, ornaments and utensils. This record is still kept up to date today.
As a matter of interest the following fees for church services to the Rector were chargeable at that time:-
s. d.
Thanks after childbirth 4
Publishing Banns 1 6
Marriage 1 0
Marriage by Licence 5 0
Burial 4 0
Little is mentioned in the Vestry Minutes thereafter with regard to preparation for the restoration, except that in September 1855 it was resolved to build a Vestry at the North end.
At a meeting on 12th December 1861 an offer was revealed from Mrs. Webb of £200 for a new roof if there was a new tower. At the same meeting offers totalling £350 were recieved for the rebuilding of the tower etc. In 1862 Mr. Webb promised to take sole management of the building of the tower.
It seems from the time lapse, apparent from these minutes, that the members took heed of the advice given by H.J. Pye, Esq., mentioned earlier.
As a matter of interest, in the meantime in 1856 the Vestry Meeting considered the alteration of the pews for the purpose of erecting an organ, but decided against it. However, an organ was installed in 1867.
An interesting footnote to the Minutes of a meeting in April 1858 read:- "NB - Mr. Hellaby, on the part of the Parish, refused to accept the Finger Organ which I have put in the church." Signed.... R.R. Bloxam. (Perhaps the Parish envisaged harmonious relationships of meetings being disturbed!).
It is believed that from around 1870 the health of the Rev. Bloxam deteriorated and in 1875 he relinquished his post. He eventually died at Leamington on 23rd January 1877
Page 10.
The Churchyard
1840 Eliza Tilley is the first corpse buried in the Churchyard.