A LOCAL HISTORIAN LOOKS AT HARTLIP - No. 8

Hartlip parish church is dedicated to St. Michael and stands on a prominent position which makes the church visible (especially approaching from the west) for many miles. The earliest style is in the latter part of the 13th century which suggests the church was built at this time. The, earliest document mentioning,, Hartlip was in 1225 in Registrum Roffense. The church consists now of a chancel, two chapels, a nave, tower, with a small porch. There is a curious 13th century mural arcading on the chancel wall and much the best historical portion of the church.

On either side of the chancel are chapels, in the north one of which is now the organ. This chapel is Early English and is called the Osborne Chapel in which many members of this family were interred. The south chapel is called the Stunt chapel in which members of that family were interred. At one, time this chapel was used as avestry but the vestry was transferred to where it is now, a small building on the north side of the church, access to which is obtained through the base of the tower. The origin of this room is not known. It is an unusual feature. It was lit by small slits which has suggested that it was an anchorite cell. Whether this is true or not it will continue to exercise the mind without any doubt.

The church tower is low and in a perpendicular style, with an octagonal turret and a large chequered buttress on the north-west. There are two brasses in the church but the font is comparatively modern. The church registers date from 1538. Set in the wall surrounding the churchyard are some pieces of stonework found during a renovation of the church in the 19th century.

R.A.B.

ROUND THE SOCIETIES

Women's Institute

Hearty congratulations to Mrs. Ingleton and Mrs. Ferrett who between them collected two second and four third awards for their entries of fruit into the W.I. Produce Guild Exhibition. A word of praise, and thanks also, to Mesdames Lawrence, Marshall and Williamson who raised over £8 from their recent afternoon tea.

At the September meeting Mrs. Sharp demonstrated modern aids to the care and cleaning of carpets and it seems that any lady with four or five pounds in her piggy bank can have the, world of science, at her feet. It is, however, a comforting thought for the rest of us that a bent knee, a soapy cloth and a grunt or two will still do a good job, for nothing!

We were all delighted to welcome Mrs. Kinslow and Mrs. Elliott as new members and should be equally pleased to see other ladies who have recently come to live in the village, on October 11th at 2.30 p.m.

N.T.

7.40 Group

The Group began its winter season with a meeting at the School after Evensong, on 18th September. The, discussion, led by Michael Drage and David Prior from Cambridge, began on the theme of "Choosing a career" but in the end covered one's attitudes to life, and other people as well.