Putley Church Box tombs/Memorials. We are the custodians of twelve box tombs of which nine are listed Grade11 by Historic England. The majority of these are from the Georgian period; 1714 – 1830. Unsurprisingly, some have stood the test of time less happily than others. In 2019 we were able to restore the Wheeler tomb (our moniker). As this stands near our very special 12c churchyard cross the vicinity now has a much greater feeling of reverence. The cost of this was met in no small way by the Leeche Trust, whilst the work undertaken by the skilled craftsmen of Hudson Stonework Ltd. In 2020 the Jones tomb was discovered to be falling in on itself when a very large ant hill was removed. This was also restored by Hudson Stonework Ltd again with substantial help from the Leeche Trust and the Church of England Church Care Grants. As the craftsmen were to be on site for this rebuild, it was decided to use their skills to repair a further two tombs. All should be good for another hundred years or so. Subsequent to all this activity, a visit by a representative of the Georgian Society shed more light on the situation. The weathering on the tombs from the 18c differs to that on the 19c ones. Obviously the hundred years difference has some significant bearing but another factor is noted. The churchyard environment has changed. Putley, all 900 acres, was purchased by the Riley family in the mid 1800s. Squire Riley was a gentleman of his time and, amongst many other interests, he was an early member of the Royal Horticultural Society. The majority of the trees in the churchyard were introduced into this country in the early 1800s and would have been planted on Riley’s instruction. Has their growth changed the light, wind and general environment in the churchyard to deliver a different style of decay?
Starting in 2018, following a suggestion by Julie Beaumont, the Ross Fine Arts Society (RFAS) began recording every piece of paper, textile, metal, stone and wood work in Putley Church’s orbit. The result of their endeavours was to be recorded in a book to be presented to the Church, with copies in various Herefordshire record facilities. The progress or otherwise of the enterprise has been recorded in the later editions of the Putley Press and early editions of the Cider Press. Pieces have appeared on articles and stories uncovered during their diligent search. On Sunday 16th October at our 11am Morning Prayer service fourteen members of the RFAS complemented our congregation, towards the end of which the presentation of The Book (as it became known during conception) was made by Christopher Nicholson and received by Elaine Spalding, Church Warden, who accepted it on behalf of the Church. Stories were recounted by Elizabeth Maggs, RFAS lead during the whole exercise, of the exciting discoveries of family history, hidden artefacts and “interesting” 18c documents. Alice Rhodes’ cakes came in for more than one mention. Elaine responded with our thanks. The book is in the church with over 380 pages of description and pictures. Currently it is only available to view on request; it is intended to have it available for public access. Following the service refreshments were served and a large proportion of the gathering spent a considerable time looking at the treasures that had been put on display. Most striking were the vestments worn by the clergy when leading services. They are over 100 years old and, thanks to the skill of one of the RFAS volunteers, look as good as new.
