Image ID: 07692

All Saints Church -benefaction boards

Courtesy of Reg Baker

Church Street
Sutton on Trent
England

This picture shows the benefaction board of William Spray in the bell ringers chamber at All Saints Church. The Church dates back to the 13th century, although Saxon foundations and Norman herringbone masonry have been found. It was restored in 1902-3 by William Weir. The pinnacled Mering (or Meryng) Chapel was added in c.1520. The top board (the Elizabeth Downing benefaction board) reads:- 'Whereas, Mrs Elizabeth Downing late of this Parish, a short time previous to her death, which happened in the year 1848, deposited in the hands of the Reverend Richard Thompson, the then resident Vicar of this Parish, the sum of One hundred pounds, which she authorized him to lay out and expend in the Improvement of the Parish Church of Sutton, in such manner and at such times as he should think proper and, in persuance of such authority the Vicar, with the assistance of Messieurs Thomas Smith and Samuel Pinnington, the then Churchwardens in or about 1852, carried out the benevolent Lady's wishes by appropriating the said Sum of One Hundred Pounds, along with other Moneys (raised by subscription) in re-pewing the Church and making other great improvements therein. Mrs Downing departed this life on or about the 6th Day of January 1848, in the 92nd year of her age much regretted and highly respected. Her Charities which were numerous were done without ostentation. In Religion she was a bright example, and in every way worthy of Imitation. Dated 15th June 1860.' The lower board (the Sarah Pinnington benefaction board) reads:- 'Whereas, Sarah Pinnington of Sutton-upon-Trent, in the County of Nottingham, Spinster, in and by her last Will and Testament in writing bearing date on or about the fifth day of March 1814, gave and bequeathed unto the Vicar and Churchwardens for the time being of the Parish of Sutton-upon-Trent aforesaid (after the decease of Her Brother, who died on the 16th day of November 1856), the sum of Forty Pounds, free from Legacy Duty; which said Sum she directed them to place out of Interest, in their own names, upon security of Real Estate, or otherwise, and to pay and apply the Interest or profits arising therefrom, by two equal half yearly payments unto the Schoolmaster for the time being of the said Parish of Sutton-upon-Trent, for the teaching of two Poor Children of the said Parish to read, write and accompts: such poor Children from time to time to be named by the said Vicar and Churchwardens. The said sum of Forty Pounds, having, since the death of the Brother, been paid to the said Vicar and Churchwardens by the Executor of the deceased, the same has been by them placed out at Interest on such security as aforesaid. Dated 15th June 1860.'

Date: 01/08/1984

Organisation Reference: NCCE001498

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