A church in North Yorkshire is calling on others to help it date a medieval font cover, reputed to have been made in the 1530s.
John Knopp, churchwarden at St Michael’s Church, Well, near Bedale, which was built around 1330 AD – is trying to date the ornate wooden cover (pictured) and would like to hear from other churches with similar font covers which have been dated.
John said, “ We have a font cover that is ‘ believed to have been made in the 1530s’ I have reason to believe that there are several other churches with similar font covers in the Diocese. I am trying to find out more about ours and am wondering if the PCCs of the churches that have similar covers know much about theirs?”
The church at Well itself has a fascinating history, shaped by some of the most powerful feudal families in the land - notably the Nevilles, Latimers and Cecils. Ralph Neville was responsible for the building of the present church c1330. He married John of Gaunt’s daughter and their daughter Cicely was mother to future kings Edward IV and Richard III. The church replaced an earlier Norman building (the arched doorway survives) which replaced an even earlier building recorded in the Domesday Book.
Next to the church Neville founded the Hospital of St Michael in 1342, which is now the north wing of Well Hall . A row of almshouses and small chapel c1758 called St Michael’s Cottages are adjacent to the historical area of the church.
If anyone can help John date the font cover contact him by email here.