THE HISTORY OF ST NICHOLAS CHURCH,
LECKFORD



There is no distinctive feature which would enable the date of the Church to be fixed with certainty. The Nave is possibly of the 13th Century, whilst the Chancel was probably rebuilt in the l6th.Century.

The Chancel is set, out of the centre, some feet to the south to make room, probably either for the usual procession-way round the Church, which otherwise would have been very narrow, or for some kind of walk or cloister leading round to the old Nun's Hospital. There are also grounds for believing that a Vestry once stood to the north of the Chancel.

A new Bell-Turret and Bell-Frame, in oak, were constructed in 1934. There are five Bells, three ancient bearing the respective inscriptions "I.B. E.M. T.N. l629", "God be our guyd R.B. 1595" and "In God is my hope, 1532", while two of recent date are inscribed "1934 I ring to the Glory of God in memory of a child".

The late Norman Font is of Purbeck stone and has arcading in low relief; a second Font in alabaster was a gift.

The Pulpit and Sounding Board are beautiful examples of early l6th Century work: on the latter may be seen, carved "R.S. I.H.", probably the initials of the Churchwardens of the time.

The pre-Reformation Altar slab which bears its five consecration crosses and formerly lay in the sanctuary pavement was restored to its original place and use in 1921 and dedicated "To the greater Glory of God and in memory of many now within the veil".

The former Jacobean Communion Table stands near the Font.

In 1926 the Chancel Screen was given - one of an earlier date having disappeared except for some traceries now worked into the Reading Desk.

The two Pictures to be seen on the East wall of the Sanctuary are of St. Nicholas and St. Michael. There are also an "Ecce Homo", and a copy of Raphael's "Madonna della sedia".

A Chest bears the initials "R.B. C.W." onthe front, and the date 1770 is incised on the back.

There is a trace of fresco in the moulding of the hagioscope in the Manorial pew*

The north Door was bricked up in l821.

The remarkable Choir and Sanctuary Seats came originally from an Italian monastery an^ with the richly carved Altar-piece and the two Sanctuary Chairs, were presented in 1923.

Outside, an ancient Sundial over the south doorway in the Chancel should be noticed.