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12 (02,

THE OLD 'PARISH CHURCH

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

ALDERSHOT 111690?*

J. W. BRANSON 6

(A member of the stuff:)

Desigtred urid Published by
THE BRITISH PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED
                       Copyright
GLOUCESTER

CO00530359

I969

ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

ALDERSHOT

ALDERSHOT is an ancient and interesting place, although
few traces of its past can be seen today. Its parish church
stands, as it has done for some eight centuries, an active
centre of religious life, for most of that time its only place
of worship.                       It has
been spelt in at least 40 ways, yet without any change
of meaning. In ancient documents the letter H was often
prefixed, e.g., `Halreshet' (1 171), `Halresshate' (1305)
but `Aldershot' was current as early as 1511 for it was
so spelt in the will of John Awbrey.  The root, `shot' is
derived from the Anglo-Saxon `sceat', a piece of Iand.
It is usually associated with a tree or plant name, in this
case `Alder'; the whole signifying `A piece of land over-
grown with alders'. It is in that portion of the County of
Hampshire once known and administered as `The
Hundred of Crondal', the Hundred being some 29,000
acres in extent and containing 10 Tithings, of which
Aldershot was one. It was once part of the private estate
of King Alfred the Great, who in his will desired it to go
eventually to `The Old Monastery at Winchester'.  On
Palm Sunday, A.D.979, it was formally accepted, and the
Prior and Convent became the Lords of the Manor of
Crondal.  There was a Saxon Church at Crondal, and
the whole Hundred was placed under its charge.  When
tithes became enforceable they were rendered to its
Rector, and this continued even after other churches
were built in the Hundred. As the population increased
and more land was brought under cultivation, other
churches were built by Thanes or lay noblemen.  The
Founder was often allowed to nominate the priest, but
the rights of the original church were always jealously
safeguarded. Tn some such way the ancient churches of
Farnborough, Yateley, Long Sutton, and Aldershot came
into being. There were two types of dependent churches.
(I) Chapels of ease.  These were for convenience, the

The name `Aldershot' suggests its antiquity.

3

worshippers being required to attend their parish church
festivals, and for some of the sacraments. (2) Parochial
chapels, of which Aldershot was one, had their own priest
and provided all the sacraments, and most importantly,
burial. The existence of an ancient cemetery is evidence.
This (according to an ordinance of Canute), allowed the
founder to retain a third of his tithes for local use.

That Aldershot remained a Parochial Chapel for so
long is not so surprising, when it is considered that then,
as now, a Rectory, or a Vicarage was only allowed if
sufficient funds were available for its permanent endow-
ment. Crondal was in no position to surrender funds,
especially as the multiplication of churches in its area
was bound to decrease the support available for its own
needs. In fact, on 25 May 1400 the Bishop (William
of Wykeham) ordered the sequestration of the tithes
due to Crondal; in order to repair the Buildings and
Chancel of the Chapel of Aldershot.

Hampshire never did have a high proportion of vicar-
ages. In the Diocese of Winchester in the year 1535
they numbered but 53 out of 238 churches. In the
Basingstoke Deanery (to which we belonged) there
were only five.

THE CHURCHYARD

The visitor approaches the church through a lychgate,
presented by Mr. and Mrs. Walter Finch in 1954.
Originally churchyards were unfenced, but by the XVI
century considerable abuses had arisen.  Archbishop
Grindal enquired of his clergy, `if at Christmas or at
May games, any disguised person had been suffered to
come irreverently into the church or church yard, and
there to dance or play any unseemly parts, with scoffs,
jests, wanton gestures, or ribald talk, especially during
the time of common prayer!' . . . and `that the churchyard
be well fenced'. We know that in A.D.1527, Thomas
Hore, the Chaplain, met his churchwardens, John
Aparke and Richard Everikke, with Edward Napper and
Robert Wheeler, parishioners, to discuss this very matter.
The first written reference we have to the churchyard is
dated 24 October, A.D.1409. The occasion was a

4

meeting of the Court of Frankpledge, for the term of
St. Martin. It seems that the sum of fourpence due each
year to the Lord of the Manor, had not been paid.  `And
now he pays nothing'.  (It went to the Sacristan of the
Priory for the expenses of his office.) We are glad that
this happened, for the details given in the record are
invaluable. They tell of the grant of one acre by each
tenant of a virgate (20 - 30 acres), 16 acres in all, and we
know that in A.D.1287 there wre 16 virgates in the
parish. `For the Chaplain, 124 acres, For the Clerk, 23
acres, and for the cemetery, one acre (God's acre).  This
acre was originally held by John atte Hall.  And it is
sacred still. The first piece of land is now the public
garden beside the Town Hall, and the Parish Hall stands
on part of the Clerk`s ground. Near the Lychgate is an
ancient yew tree. In a guide to Aldershot published in
1859 it is said `In its prime the yew was the admiration of
the whole neighbourhood and people travelled miles to
see it'. We may be a trifle sceptical of the tradition that
the infant child of Ne11 Gwynne rests beneath its shade,
but it is still an object of veneration.

The graveyard is not encumbered by a mass of tombs,
yet it is the last earthly resting-place of more than 2,000
of our forefathers, and no one can say how many more
before records were commenced in 1571.  One feature
arrests attention. A number of graves are covered by
hand-made local bricks which extend to the next adjacent
grave.  From the dates on the stones it is almost certain
that these coverings afforded a measure of security
during the years between 1801 and 1856 when the
`Resurrectionists' of `Body-snatchers' did their evil work.
(We know that one was arrested at Yateley, and that
fear was widespread at this time.)

The North side of a church was avoided by our fore-
fathers (which proved fortunate when our church had
to be extended). There are two exceptions here. In
1884 land was given by the then Lord of the Manor to
form the Newcome burial ground. Also, on the coming
of the Camp, and before a Military cemetery was avail-
able, grave stones record the burial of four soldiers.  It is
often thought that the number and variety of tombstones

5

The Lady Chapel
(The Old Chancel)

The Nave & High

Altar

and monuments testify to the age ofa churchyard.  'This
is a mistake.  In many a crowded graveyard the monu-
ments cover but a short period and witness to the wealth
and competitive display of certain families.  In the best
days our forefathers found more worthy objects for their
devotion. The churchyard was closed on the opening of
the Town Cemetery in 1860 (save for special cases).  In
1965 a faculty was granted to reserve a portion of the
ground for the interment of Ashes following cremation,
and this is much valued.  A book records the names for
perpetual remembrance.

Do not be in too much haste to enter an ancient church.
There is much to be seen, and you may be tlie first to
notice something unobserved for generations. Our
church is obviously both old and new; the oldest portion,
the Nave, having been restored in the worst time (1859)
and reinforced by an external brick wall. Yet, had it not
been done the South wall would no doubt have collapsed.

The Tower is notable for its mixture of stone and brick-
work.  Its foundations rest on large blocks of sarsen
stone upon the subsoil of London clay.  The former
external wall exposed within the church shows clear
evidence of rebuilding, with ten feet of the old wall
remaining.  The tower is built of the brown sandstone
of the county, with brick copings.  In the mortar between
the courses small pieces of the same stone are inserted, a
form of decoration known locally as `garnetting'.  The
upper embattled story, and the angles of the tower are of
bricks, which are thin and of varied colour.  It was
probably added when the tower was rebuilt, and houses
the two bells added in A.D.1611 and 1624 respectively.
It has been suggested that the Tower may have been
raised in order that it might form part of the Beacon
chain, in which Crondal was included.  We know it was
extended in Elizabeth's reign, as an invasion alarm.
From the flagstaff on festivals floats the Church flag.
Not the flag of England, but the Red Cross on a White
ground, the flag of St. George, under which saint our
fathers fought, with the cry: `St. George, for England'.
There is a clock on the Tower, made by James Styles of

7

Odiham, and given by the Revd. Ceorge West, in 1810.
It was overhauled in 1966 and found in excellent con-
dition save for the dial, which was restored.  Before
clocks became common, sundials were essential, and
several of them to cover the day.  There are two spaces
on the tower for this purpose, and at the East end of the
church may be found traces of two more.  One on the
right hand side of the place where traces of the `Priest's
door' can still be seen, and one on its left.  They were
known as `Mass dials' or `Scratch dials', the simplest
form having but three marks. The upper one was a hole
to contain a wooden or iron peg to act as a gnomon,
under it the noon mark, and to its left the mark indicating
the position of the 9 a.m. shadow, the usual time for the
daily Mass. To the right of this and below the window
can be seen a stone, some 24 inches above ground level.
This may well obscure a foundation stone, for its position
agrees well with examples in other churches. In a good
light can be seen the positions of the original lancet
windows, which lighted the old chancel before they were
replaced by the present XVl century windows.  On an
engraving made in 1830 and reproduced on the cover of
this guide, can be seen another lancet window, this time
in the wall of the old nave. This has completely gone.
It gave an indication of its age.  Windows of this size and
position being common in XI and XI1 century churches.
(One can be seen at Yateley). There was once an
ancient stone near the porch (noticed in 1841).  It may
have been the shaft of a churchyard cross, and of great
antiquity, but no trace of it can be found.

The porch has been completely rebuilt, and is of no
great age or merit.  Both Nave and Chancel roofs have
been raised and renewed.
Within the Tower. The rebuilding of the Tower at the
end of the XVI century has removed many traces of
former days.  There was often an Altar where contracts
were signed, and the Wedding service commenced, but no
trace remains. There is, however, the main entrance to
the church, marked by the remains of the Holy Water
stoup on its South side. The grooves worn by bell ropes
in the soft stone of the heading of the window should be

8

<

noticed. They were clearly made by three bell ropes so
must be later than 1624. The reason for the bells being
rung from outside the tower cannot be stated with
certainty, but it is likely that the tower, being the only
safe place, may have been kept locked out of service time.
The parish chest was kept there, for it was discovered
there by the late Francis J. Baigent, who visited the
church in 1857. He induced the Vicar to have it opened
by the local blacksmith.  In it was found the Aldershot
copy of the Crondal Customary, now preserved in the
`Aldershot Room' of the Borough Library.  This docu-
ment is of great value. It was prepared in 1567 in order
to stabilise the tenures and customs of the Manor of
Crondal, which had grown into a state of confusion.
On the Aldershot copy is a paragraph which does not
appear on the Winchester copy, regarding the 16 acres
of church land already referred to.  For a translation,
and other valuable records of the Manor, see `The
Crondal Records' (F. J. Baigent).

In Saxon times a bell tower was an indispensable mark
of a Thane, so that it was often the earliest part of a
church to be built. In early towers there was often a
room on the first floor which could serve as a lodging for
a Priest or Sacristan.  This had a window to the Nave.
Our tower has this ancient feature.

Our earliest bell bears a Lion's face and foliate stamp.
It was made at Wokingham, c. XIV century.  The next
bell is dated 161 1 and has the makers mark of three bells
on a shield, with the letters `W.Y.' (for William Yare of
Reading). The next bell is dated 1624. Tt has an
elaborate foliate band at the top, and the words: `This
bell was made by E. Knight of Reading'. These two bells
were probably given by Sir Walter Tichborne.  A son,
James (Godson of King James) was born in 161 I, and his
wife died in 1620. They may have been memorial gifts.

Three bells, were added in 191 I, one being a memorial
to William Fludder, parish clerk for very many years.
The last two bells, subscribed for by men of all ranks,
are known as `The soldiers bells' and commemorate
those who fell in the Great War, 1914-1919.  There is a
bell clapper in the tower which is of great age, and may
have come from the original bell.

9

\

Phofo H. LP16Ch Copyrifilrt

  Achievement oj Arms oj`
       Sir John White
Fornwrl-v hung in the Church

The Interior of the Church

So well has the Architect blended the old building with
the new, that at first sight we may not realise that there
are two churches.  The ancient church is on the South
side, its main door the one which gives access to the
Tower. Stand behind the modern font, and look towards
the old chancel (usually called the Lady Chapel, which it
is not) and imagine the arches on your left to be a solid
wall, and you can see what the old church looked like
until 1859.  There is a description of it in `Collectanea
Topographica et Genealogica' (1 841) : `This church
coilsists of a Nave and Chancel.  It was ceded in 1725.
The Royal Arms are of the date 1717 and nearly obliter-
ated . . .  The East window is of three trefoil lights, with
trefoiled headings. There are four windows of two
trefoiled lights each, two on the North side (now removed
to the new chancel) and two on the South side.  Those
to the East have an ogee head to the trefoil.  The Nave
has on the North side, one single trefoiled window, and
another of two lights cinquefoiled (now removed).  The
South side has a window of two lights cinquefoiled and
another of two lights trefoiled. Exterior: the dripstones
to the windows are quite plain. There is part still
remaining of an ornamental ridge-tiling to the roof of
the nave.  It is engrailed and pierced, and has a pleasing
effect.  The porch is plain and has been modernised.
The Tower at the West end is built of the brown sandstone
of the County, with brick copings, and has been modern-
ised . . .  The church is prettily situated on a hill, near
which is a fine view towards Farnham . . . It is a
Perpetual Curacy, with a stipend of E15 p.a.'

This small church, shown on the cover of this booklet,
sufficed until the coming of the Camp in 1855-1859 when
enlargement became essential. Unfortunately the wording
of the Faculty was only too well adhered to. It read: `To
pull down, remove, and rebuild' and in the course of the
work we lost the old chancel arch, and much that might
have been preserved. Tt was completed and reopened for
worship on March 25, 1860. The church had been
enlarged by the addition of an aisle and vestry on the
North side, and a gallery at the West end.  The old

11

Left.

Monument to
Sir John White
d. 9 June, 1573.

Rubbing and Photograph
madr by H. F. 0. Evnns
Esq. M.B.E., F.S.A.

(see opposite)

Below

Helmets &Crests
of Sir John White
and his son

(sec pure 15)

high-backed pews were removed, and a pulpit and lectern
made from the old timber. The accommodation provided
mas: Free seats, 112; Appropriated, 202; Children (in
gallery) 107.  The architect was Mr. Francis Eggar.

In 1912 a major addition was made to the ancient
church.  From the designs of Sir Thomas Jackson, R.A.
a new nave, chancel, and North arcade, were added,
resulting in the large and beautiful church we see today.

It is one of the happiest blendings of what is new, with
what remains of the old, that has been accomplished in
our time. There is no disharmony anywhere. The
ancient church, and the modern one can be, and are,
used together, or separately, as desired.  The many gifts
to the church have added to its unity of expression, and
it is now one of the finest parish churches in the South
of England.

                  To enumerate them all
would be tedious and necessarily incomplete, for they are
added to constantly.  Almost everything in use is an
offering freely given.  The most ancient are of special
interest, and must be described briefly.  They are to
members of the White and Tichborne families who once
resided here.

There is a particularly fine Brass to the memory of
Sir John White, which he had made during his lifetime.
He was Lord of the Manor of Aldershot. His will
(P.C.C. 40 Peter.) dated 29 May I573 states: `That there
be sett in the wall, nigh that place where my bodie is
buried, in the wall, the plat of Brasse with my armes and
my wives with the time of my Depture to be added to
the same, with the border of Allibaster stone alredie made
for it together, to be sett up within a conveniet tyme after
my burial1 by the discretion of myne executors . . .'  He
died soon afterwards, on 9 June 1573, but the date was
not engraved. It may have been painted in (as has been
done with words on an adjacent monument), but if so,
all traces of it have vanished.

The details of the monument can be clearly seen in the
excellent photograph kindly given to us from a rubbing
made by the late H. F. 0. Evans, then Vice-President of
the Monumental Braqs Society.

The memorials are many.

13

Sir John White was a notable man by any standard.
The sixth son of Robert White of Farnham, and brother
of Bishop John White, of Winchester, he was buried by
his express wish, at the N.E. corner of the Old Chancel,
below his Helm and Crest.  He lived in the reigns of
Henry VII, Henry VIII, Jane, Mary, and Elizabeth. He
was Master of the Grocers Company (1555-6) and a
Freeman of the Merchant Company, Sheriff of London
(1 556-7), Lord Mayor of London (I 563-4), Knighted
1564, Alderman (1555-1573), M.P. for the City (1571),
Treas. of S. Bartholomew's Hospital (I 549), President of
Bethlehem and Christs Hosp. (1552), S. Thomas 'and
Bridewell (1 568-73) and Surveyor-General of Hospitals
(1572-3).  He married. first Sibel, daughter of Robert
White of S. Warnborough, and secondly Catherine
Greenway, widow, the daughter of John Sodaye,
apothecary to Queen Mary.  He was succeeded by his
son, Robert White, born in 1545, who is buried in the
S.E. corner of the Old Chancel, under his Helm and
Crest.  He held the Manors of Aldershot, Frimley and
Tongham. He was Sheriff of Hants in 1582-3. There
was an Altar monument to his memory adjoining the E.
and S. walls. The stone bore on its surface his portraiture
in brass, and two brass shields of his arms.  All these
have gone.  The stone is now beneath the Altar.  (It is
just possible that it was the original mensa.)  It bears a
much worn inscription which reads as follows:-

`Here lyeth the body of Robert White, late of Alder-
shot in the County of South. Esq. who departed this
Lyfe the 23 April 1599 and lefte Issue of his Body by
Mary his Wiefe sole Daughter & heire of Will. Forster
of London Citizen, 2 Daughters & Coheirs Ellen the
eldest married to Sr Richard Tichborne, Sonne & Heire
apparent to Sr Benjamin Tichborne of Tichborne Kt. &
Mary the youngest, married to Sr Walter Tichborne
second Sonne of the aforesaid Sr Benjamin who to the
Memory of thier deceased Parent here dedicated this
Monument.

(Tram.)

`Here we have no abiding city
But seek that to come.'

(Tnms.)

`To me Christ is life

And death is gain.'

Note.-Two points might well be mentioned. The
County of Hampshire is most often referred to as
`Southamptonshire' and usually abbreviated.  This use,
which is very ancient, was ended as recently as 1 April
1959 by the Minister of Housing and Local Government.
The other point is the connection of the Tichborne family
with Aldershot at this time.  The head of this pre-
conquest family, Sir Benjamin Tichborne, had a residence
at Aldershot Park, as well as at Tichborne.  Here he
often entertained the Royal Court, and his sons Richard
and Walter met the daughters of Sir John White, whom
they eventually married.

The Helmets and Crests. Above the burial places of
Sir John White and his son, hang, on their original
brackets their Helms and Crests. It was customary to
present the full achievement of Arms at the Altar at the
time of the funeral of a great man.  The Helms and
Crests alone remain, and are of great historic interest.
They were carefully restored in 1966 by the College of
Arms, in correct Heraldic colours.  The actual funeral
certificate of Sir John White is lost, but that for his son
reads: `The funerall of ye said Robert White, was very
worshipfully solemnised in the P'sh Church of Aldershott
the 22 of May follg. The cheiffe mourner was Benjamin
Tichborne aforesaid, and his assistants were Richard
Tichborne, & Thomas Whyte brother of ye said Robert,
the Penon being borne by Walter Tichborne . . . ' (Coll.
of Arms M.S. 1/16 f47).

A Pedigree, prepared by the `Windsor Herald' to show
the relation between the White and Tichborne families is
framed and hung on the North wall.
On the S. wall, below the Brass to Sir John is one
originally fixed to the gravestone of Mary, the first wife
of Robert White. It reads:-

`Hereunder lyeth the bodye of Marye Whit ofAldershot
in the Countie of Southe-Hampton, late wif to Robert
Whit, Esquier, wh. departed this lyfe the XXI of Julie
MDLXXXIII, by whom he had issue I1 sonnes and I1
daughters. Viz. Robert and Robert, Helen and Marye'.

15

\

14

`flus Brass IS of great interest, for it IS a `Palimpsest' or
re-used Brass. It was cut from a Brass commemorating
one Ricard Spage, the script being c. 1405.  He was not
of this parish so far as we can tell.  It is noteworthy in
that it uses a combination of three languages and is a
product of a XVI cent. London workshop in its later use.
Further details are to be found in a framed copy of the
obverse inscription nearby.  The funeral certificate of
Marye Whit reads: "The 21st. of July departed out of this
mortal1 life at her house called `Aldershott' the worship-
full Mrs. Mary Whyt. daughter of Mr. William Foster of
London, Gentleman, late wyffe to Mr Robzrt Whyt now
lyvinge, eldest son and heir of Sir John Whyt."  The
funeral is stated to have been `worshipfully solemnised on
Monday the 13 of August' and it is signed `Robert Whit'.

Removed from the N. wall of the Old Chancel, and
now in a similar position in the extended church, is the
memorial to her daughter Ellen.
The inscription reads: `Erected by Sr Richard Tich-
borne, Knight, to the memory of his dearest wiefe The
Lady Ellen Tichborne, eldest daughter and coheire of
Robt. White of Aldershott Esq. who godly departed thys
lyfe the 18 day of May in the year of our redemption
1606, and of her age 27'.

Who lived (and now is dead), A life prepared for
Who dide (and now she lyves), A death prepared for
`So well she both profest, That she in both is blest.

(Trans.) Happy is the memory of them to whom

dyinge.

lyvinge.

`Neither was life a misery,
Nor was there death in life.'

Nore.-Apparently an allusion to the Prayer-book
sentences read at the graveside.
The memorial to her sister Mary is in its original position
in the old chancel.  It is particularly fine, and of great
interest. It is inscribed.
Panel 1.  Here lieth ye body of Lady Mary Tichborne
ye wife of Sir Walter Tichborne Knight, who was married
to him ye 7 of May 1597 & deceased ye 31 of January
1620 leaving iqsue now living

17

Beniamin. Francis. lohn. Walter. lames. Richard
White. Lionell. Theophila. Frauncis. Marie. Elisabeth.
Charite. Bridgett.

And had also issue one other Tames yt deceased in ye
yere 1615 wch both wer ye Godsonnes of ye King.
(Then, painted in, not engraved) `By his favour and grace.'
Panel 2 (a dificult translation).
`The Lady Tichborne of happy spirit, As a sojourner

Hath an unprofitable covering.
Therefore, if it pleases you, consider the important things

You will find all accomplished on an auspicious level.
A childlike simplicity, a snow white candour in the heart.
A mind quite without envious extravagance and ambition.
A natural beauty joined to a modest appearance.
A pleasant propriety in an unaffected mouth.  Finally.

given to the vices neither of the age, nor of her sex.
She lived as an example of a good wife. (Then, painted,
but not engraved) `Daughter and coheir of Robert White
Esquire.'
Nore.-The tribute to his wife seems to refer to the
outspoken attack made just before by King James I on
the fashions and behaviour of women, which he thought
were intolerable.

The tombs which can be identified beneath the chancel
floor, are these:-

   Francis, the son of Sir Walter Tichborne
`Here lyeth ye body of Francis Tichborne late of Alder-
shott in Com. Southton. Esqr. who after many times
industriously crossing the seas for ye benefit of his
Country & Family, departed this life att ye place of his
birth ye 12 July in ye 69 yeare of his age. Anno Dom.
I671 .'

         Susanna, His wife
`Here lyes the body of Susan Tichborne, the relict ot
Francis Tichborne late of Aldershott, Esqr. Who
departed this life on 21 December 1687, aged 77 years.
She was the daughter of William Haws of Brumley Hall

18

beneath this pile of Parian marble,


of her life,

in the County of Essex, Merchant.' In 1841 it is
recorded that two gold mourning rings were dug up
near the site of the old Manor House. One was inscribed
`Suz. Tichborne, ob. 23 Dec. '87' and the other, a very
small one, `Prepared bee to fellow me. T.T.' (Probably
Theophila Tichborne.)

An interesting inscription is that to Charles Henshaw.
`Late Consul of ye English Nation in Genoa.  He was
the fourth son of Benjamin Henshaw, Citizen and
Merchant Tailor of London.  After many long and
perilous voyages through France, Italie, to Barbarie,
Syria, Palestine, Iresalem, and Bethlehem He peaceably
ended his pilgrimage at Aldershot, on the 25th. day of
August 1655 in ye 36 yeare of his age.  He married
Elizabeth, the daughter of Simon Thorowgood.'

And of George Legatt

`In memory of George Legatt, late Consul for ye
English Nation at Genoa, Esqr. Son of Thomas Posthu-
mous Legatt, late of Dagnums in Essex, Esq. He married
Elizabeth, relict of Charles Henshaw, late of London,
Merchant, & departed this life on 7 September 1685 in
the 60th year of his age.'
There are also the tombs of Mrs. Elizabeth Legge, ob.
1792, and of Captain Newman, ob. 1795, together with
that of Mary White, ob. 1583, and others which cannot
be identified.
In the old Nave there is the Viner Memorial (originally
on the N. wall).  It is inscribed: `Near this place lie
deposited the remains of Charles Viner Esqre. Barrister
at Law, who died June 5, 1756 aged 78 years. His widow,
Mrs. Raleigh Viner, died January 3, 1761, aged 79 years.
Also of John Elwes Weekes Esq. who died January 6,
1762 in the 78th year of his age and ordered this monu-
ment to be erected to perpetuate the memory of him and
of his beloved sister.  The first, a generous benefactor
to the University of Oxford, the last two, kind and
charitable to their poor neighbours'.

Charles Viner was an eminent lawyer, the founder of
the Vinerian Professorship at Oxford.  His own learned
work and his association with Judge Blackstone, make

19

his name memorable.  His works were printed in his
house in Aldershot on paper specially made and water-
marked `C.V.' This family is notable in many ways.  We
owe to Brigadier G. A. Viner, of Chidham, our gratitude
for his ready and expert assistance, and for the family
genealogical trees which trace the connection of this
family with the Whites' and Tichbornes' and with Sir
Walter Raleigh, from whom Mrs. Raleigh Viner was
directly descended.

There is a memorial to James Dennett who was
incumbent of the Parish from 1853-1865, when the calm
of a small country village was shattered by the arrival
of the Camp. The inscription reads:-

`In memory of James Dennett who died 15 October
1877.  He was a faithful and assiduous pastor in this
parish for 12 years. During his ministry the church was
enlarged and rebuilt, schools were erected, and many
useful agencies organised for the benefit of the parish.'

`Remember those who have spoken unto you of the
Word of God, whose faith, follow.  I determined to
know nothing among you, but Jesus Christ, and Him
crucified.' There is a tablet to a much loved curate, who
came here to prepare for overseas missionary work.  `In
a vault near this spot is the body of John Brownrig A.B.,
who, after displaying the Christian character in the
discharge of the social and private duties of life, and
unwearied exertions in the pastoral office, entered into a
glorious immortality on the 14th day of May 1809.
Aged 29 years.'

The later monuments and memorials are well known,
The splendid figure of Our Lord, reigning from the Cross.
which dominates the church, being particularly striking.
The fine woodwork throughout the church testifies to the
good taste, knowledge and devotion of Mr. Walter
Finch, Churchwarden for 25 years, and a constant and
devoted worshipper. The Stations of the Cross, which
serve to unite both old and new parts of the one church
are a memorial to another churchwarden, held in
high regard.

The Schools.  The clergy have always catechised the
chiidren, hut the first Sunday school in the modern sense

The Chapel of the Holy Angels

21

was opened by the Revd. George West, in a little thatched
building close to the present Parish Hall. (He was Chap-
lain from 1801-1818). It was later used as a day school,
but was quite inadequate.  The Revd. James Dennett
came in 1853 and at first supplemented his meagre
stipend by taking pupils. He was instrumental in causing
the `Normal School' to be erected at the foot of Redan
Hill (its Trust Deed is dated 1858). In 1859 this became
the National School, being enlarged in 1897, providing
for 227 pupils.

In 1940 a Senior Church School was built.  This was
replaced in 1963 by St. Michael's Secondary School,
opened by George Reindorp, Lord Bishop of Guildford,
on May 28. In due course the pupils from the National
School were transferred to the former Senior School.
Both schools are now in buildings in close proximity to
the Parish Church, and are a constant source of pride.

OUR FORMER CLERGY, SO FAR AS THEY ARE

             KNOWN
(The dates given are those on which they are first named)
Aldershot was in the Diocese of Winchester until
A.D.1927, and was then transferred to the Diocese of
Guildford on its formation.

It was in the Deanery of Basingstoke until A.D.1829,
when, with other parishes, it was transferred to the new
Deanery of Odiham.
In A.D.1892 Aldershot was made a separate Deanery.
A. D. Chap Iains Sovereign
1287 Adam (Clericus) Edward T
I305 William, of Aldershot

1399 John Bertone RiciArd I1
151 1 Aungell Syrnonds and

        Peter Cults
1513 William Joyns
1520 John Hemson
1527 Thomas Hore
1541 Robert Haskin
1541 Thomas Askyn
1543 Robertus Haskett
I545 David Haryson

22

1562
1571
1581
I586
1598
1641
1642
I687
1717
I722
1750
I757
1784
1800
1801

A. D.
1818

I820
I824
1828
1830
1836
I838
I853
I865

1868
1869
I871
I873
I893
1899
191 1
1920
1927

Hugh Webbe
William Shakford
John Wilkinson
William Westbrocke ,,
Edward Griffith
Thomas Hollinshead djlarles I
John Perry Parliament
Edmund Parker James 11
Edward Parker George T
James Forde
Henry Strudwicke George II
James Jackson
William Jackson Glirge Ill
Edward Batley George 111

(Who was also Rector of
Stoke-next-Guildford)

Perpetual Curates So vereign
John West George 111
(Note.-He is commemorated in the
Canadian Prayer book on Dec. 31, as the
missionary to the Red River.)
Charles Neate George 1V
Christopher Thurger 9,
Reginald Rabett
William Hume Williim IV
Antony Crowdy 3,
Henry Carey Victoria
James Dennett 3'
Samuel C. Morgan

Samuel C. Morgan Victoria
Edwin Davies '3
E. L. Roxby
Henry J. West
Robert J. S. Gill 2,
Charles E. Hoyle
Frederick 0. T. Hawkes
E. Garth Ireland
Hugh le Fleming ,)

El i za bet 1.1

George West 1.

Vicars

GeoriE v

23

I937 .J. B. Rowsell George V1
I945 A. L. E. Hoskyns-Abrahall
1955 Thomas H. Dart ElizadLth I1
I969 Stanley Allan Zeal 33

SOME POPULATION FIGURES

A.D.1676

(Census of Province of Canterbury) Over
16 years of age: Conformists 166, Non-
conformists Nil, Papists Nil.

1725 (Estimated by Incumbent). Age not
               specified 135
I786 do. do. 340

1801 First National census 494
1851 Census 875
1857 Census (Coming of the Camp) 3500
1861 ,, (Military 8965) 16720
1871 ,, ,, I 1675) 2 1682
1966 ,, 36590
1968 ,, 36080

`Area 12 miles round'

THE ADVOWSON

We do not yet know when the church was built, or by
whom.  In a deed dated 24 Oct. 1409, one John-atte-
Halle is named as the donor of the land for the church-
yard. The Hall may well have been on the site of the
present `Aldershot Lodge' close by.  The earliest written
mention of the parish dates from the time of William
Giffard, Bishop of Winchester, who in A.D.1121 caused
an annual gift to be made at Pentecost, by each parish,
to the Cathedral, the Mother Church, for lights and other
needs. There is a legal document dated Feb. 16, 1171,
confirming that `Halreshet' (Aldershot) was contributing
thereto. It was the same Bishop who invited a Prior and
twelve monks to come from Burgundy to found Waverley
Abbey in A.D.1128. They were Cistercians, and did not
undertake parochial work. They did, however, rent
35 acres of land here for 4s. 3d. p.a. At the dissolution it
was taken over by Sir John White, who had to pay
four shillings and fourpence a year for it!

24

As the whole Manor had been given to the Prior and
Convent of S. Swithun, Winchester, they received the
rents and were responsible for providing suitable priests
to serve the churches.  Sometimes the Bishop insisted
on making the appointment, as in 1284 when, in spite of
protests, he made his chaplain Rector of Crondal.  In
A.D.1446 Cardinal Beaufort was Bishop. He was
founding the `Order of Noble Poverty' at St. Cross,
Winchester, and needed money to endow it.  With the
consent of his uncle, King Henry VI, and in consideration
of a payment to him of 13350 marks, he appropriated
various benefices, including Crondal, vacant by the
death of Master John Foxholds.  To this he appointed
the Master of St. Cross (with a Vicar to perform his
duties there) who received the tithes and Advowsons of
the whole Manor. The Chapelry of Aldershot continued
to remain under the patronage of St. Cross from that
date until 1909 in spite of all that happened subsequently.
In 1541 `Aldershotte' was scheduled as a Benefice, with
Thos. Askins as Stipendary Priest. (`Geoffrey Legg
paying his stipend.') But not for long. In 1547 the
Crown seized the land from which he drew his meagre
stipend, with the excuse that Stipendary priests were
bound to pray for their benefactors.

We have the copy of a letter written in 1716 to the
Bishop, asking that the Curate, Edmundus Parker, might
reside in the parish.  If so, the parishioners would
subscribe E6 p.a. plus his `firing', and the writer 55.
(The hope was expressed that St. Cross might give
something also.)  In 1742 it is recorded that the tithes
were held by Mr. Richard Dean, together with the right
to nominate the Curate.  `By leave of the Master of St.
Cross.' For the Master had taken to leasing the Tithes
and Nominations to the highest bidder (usually on the
lives of three persons).  The Revd. John West was thus
appointed the first `Perpetual Curate' on the nomination
of John Andrews, John Eggar, John Alden, James
Alden, and William Tice, `the true and undoubted
patrons' and licensed by Brownlow, Lord Bishop of
Winchester.  For two renewals of the lease before 1836
the Master received 51000.  The abuses inherent irl this

25

system led to a public outcry. (See `Trollope, the
Warden' and `Enter Rumour', R. B. Martin, 1965).
The Charity Commissioners brought it all to an end in
our case by proposing `That the Bishop of the Diocese
should have the perpetual right of patronage of, and
presentation to, the Church and Cure of St. Michael's,
Aldershot'. This became effective in 1909, thereby
bringing to an end a long chapter of history (1446-1909)
that had always been to our disadvantage.  The gross
value of the tithes collected averaged E365 p.a., but the
basic stipend of the Chaplain E15 (less E1 for his parson-
age).  This is what the Revd. Robert Gill received when
he became vicar in 1893.  And the vicarage was dilapi-
dated!  Parliament made a grant of E1800 when the
Camp came in 1859, but the Stipend is, and always has
been, quite inadequate, even when supplemented by fee$
and in other ways.

THE MANOR OF ALDERSHOT

From Saxon times the whole Manor of Crondal was held
by the Prior and Convent of St. Swithun, Winchester.
In 1541, after the dissolution, it passed to the Dean and
Chapter of Winchester Cathedral.  Wm Kingsmill the
Prior becoming Dean.

Tt was not easy for a community to make full use of
the property at their command, and in early days it
became usual to lease outlying lands to one who could
pay an adequate rent in money or in kind, to administer
it for them. It was also a way of rewarding trustworthy
friends. So the Manor of Aldershot was established.
We do not know when, but the name of the donor of the
churchyard, mentioned in the deed of 1409, John atte
Halle may well be that of the first Lord.  He probably
founded the church.  In A.D.1480 John Awbrey refers
to `My Manor of Aldershot'. In his will (Bp. Fox
Register 3 Fo. 59) proved on 6 Oct. 151 1, he left the
Manor to his cousin Eustace Knyll from whom it passed
to Robert White of Farnham. Tn 1547 Henry White
(Priest) dealt with it `by recovery' and left it to his
brother, Sir John White in the following year.  He died

26

in 1573 and his son Robert inherited the Manor. His
two sons having died, the Manor passed to his daughters
and co-heirs, Lady Ellen Tichborne and Lady Mary
Tichborne. Lady Ellen died in 1606, and on the death of
her sister, Lady Mary, the Manor passed to her son
Benjamin in 1620.  He left it to his brother Francis
Tichborne, who died in 1671, when his son White
Tichborne inherited the estate. His son, James Tichborne
mortgaged it in 1712, and finally disposed of it.  The
subsequent owners, so far as is known were: 1788-Sir
Godfrey Clarke; 1816-Francis Penystone; 1831-
Mr. Buckle, from whom John Eggar inherited it; 1842
-Mr. Bridges. Then followed a family who were
generous friends of Church and Town; 1847-Capt.
Henry Newcome, then his widow; 1884-Major H. G.
Newcome. On the death of his widow in 1919, the
Borough of Aldershot purchased it, and so the Mayor
and Corporation fittingly represent the Lords of the
Manor of former days.

Royal Visits.  The demolition of the old Manor Houses,
save for the faint shadows which remain in Aldershot
Lodge, The Manor House, and Hospital Hill House,
together with the destruction of the Royal Pavilion in
1966, remind one that there is no longer a house fit to
entertain a Royal Personage in the Borough.  Tt was not
always so.

The old mansion named Aldershot Park was a favourite
place for such visits.  King John, Queen Elizabeth and
others are said to have stayed here.  King James I was
here as the guest of Sir Benjamin Tichborne on 2 Sept.,
1618, 17 Aug. 1622, and 29 Aug. 1623, and on other
occasions.  King Charles 1 was here with his court on
24 Aug. 1627.

THE REGISTERS OF BAPTISMS, MARRIAGES,
           AND BURIALS

Church Registers were first ordered to be kept in 1539.
Ours were commenced in 1571 (soon after the birth of
Shakespeare). They are the original paper copies. Tt
was directed later that they should be copied on to parch-

27

ment for their safe keeping.  Fortunately this was not
done, perhaps on account of the cost.  We still refer to
the registers to answer enquiries from all over the world,
for it is not generally known that the Somerset House
registers do not commence until 1837.

Our books start in carefully written Latin, entered by
Thomas Shakford, the Chaplain.  They soon pass into
the XVI century English of the Parish Clerk, which
imitates the Latin in terseness, if in little else.

There is much of interest. An early system of Roman
numerals which makes no use of subtraction, e.g. TX for
9, or IV for 4, but is additive throughout; 9 is Viiij and
4 is iiij. There is no difference between `i' and `j' (The
clerk's practice alphabet show that he omits `j' altogether.)
The New Year commences on March 25 (Lady Day)
until in 1752 it is January 1.  There is a little known
attempt to effect the change at the Restoration, for from
1660 to 1669 the new style was used, only to revert to
March 25 in the following year. Strangely enough there
is no reference to the omission of eleven days in 1752,
when September 3rd was followed by September 14 to
correct the calendar.

In the Marriage Register there is a note: `Mem. That
all these notes precedent were delivered into the Visitation
Court held at Basingstoke, the 2nd day of May in the
year of our Lord, our God, 1598'. There is a gap in the
Marriage Register from 1645-1660 owing to the total
suspension of the Prayer Book by the Barebones Par-
liament.  All had to be held before a J.P. (There are a
number of our marriages so held at Elvetham, in con-
sequence.) In 1694 a tax was levied on marriages,
births, and burials (also on `Batchelors and Widdowes').
It was repealed in 1706, but a tax of 3d. on marriages
was intoroduced again in 1783.

Clandestine marriages were a problem, and Lord
Hardwicke's Act was passed in 1752 to prevent this
abuse. All must be by Banns, or License. Just before
this time, out of 100 marriages performed at St. Michael's,
no less than 60 were for non-residents. A special register
was introduced, and for the first time the signature of the
officiating priest was entered.  Prior to this. the names

of two only of our incumbents had appeared in the

registers.  They are in similar terms:-
`Thomas Hollinshead began at Aldershott to serve ye
cure. Ye first day of August 1641'. (He may have been
ejected. It was easy to offend authority in those days)

`John Perry began at Aldershott to serve ye cure,
March ye 20th.
For many years the Father's name only was recorded

at a Baptism, the Mother's being omitted. One Christian
name only was the rule until 1617 when the son of Sir
Walter and Lady Mary Tichborne was named `Richard
White' (using his Mother's maiden name).  The next
case did not occur until 1798, after which it soon became
common to have more than one.  There are a number of
entries such as `The reputed son of. . . ' (which may
cover adoptions), also `The base borne childe of
. . . ' It is noted that even when it was against the law
Baptisms are still so recorded.  (At Farnham they were
entered as Births.) In 1660 owing to the decline in the
Wool trade (France was not taking our exports), use had
to be found for wool.  It was enacted that all burials
must be in wool, not linen as was the invariable custom.
(Burials were uncofined, and some 18 yards of material
might be used).

This Act was greatly resented and evaded until, in
1678, penalties were enforced.  Our clerk has entered,
between the lines, the words `Burried in woolan' at that
exact date, so that it is assumed that all after that were
regular. For the Magistrates came to inspect the
Register. Their signed and sealed certificates for 1707,
1709 and 1710 are there for all to see.  Eventually a
priest was allowed to witness the affidavit which must be
furnished within a week of the burial.  But not for his
people, lest he favour them, which explains this entry:
`Sarah Smith of the parish of Aldershot in the County of
Southampton, made oath, that the body of Nicholas
Wheeler, of the parish and County aforesaid, deceased,
was wrapt up & buried in woolen only, according to
Act of Parliament provided in that case'.

Sgd. H. Baker, Curate of Farnham.

His successor wrote:-

Anno Domin. 1642'.

29

Although the entries are commendably brief, there are
exceptions. One, dated the XXij daye of July A" 1606,
relates, with a wealth of gruesome detail, the injuries
suffered by Ellen Wheeler, who was killed `in Small Shot
(wood) in thunder'.

On Aug. 14 1748 `Dannoll Whiton' was buried, and on
October 3rd. `Buried the corps of a woman found dead
in Pray Lane'.

May 22, 1784.  George Harinton & Sarah his wife,
was both found dead on Aldershot Common.
On Aug. 14 1785 `A man found dead on Aldershot
Common.
Two entries refer to the digging of the Basingstoke

Canal :-
Dec. 9 1789. A Navaggater was buried. Poor.
Aug. 3 1790. A Navagater was buried. Poor.
Their names unknown (these men used nicknames

usually), they were buried `By the parish`.
The parish was poor also, and could not, or would
not, support vagrants.
Here is a trace of the Elizabethan Poor Law in
operation:-

"Thomas Williams & Elizabeth his wife, inhabiters
of the parish of St. James in Bristol, was found wandering
in our parish of Aldershot, the 23 daie of June, and having
a pass with the hand of Mr. Lawrence Stoughton,
Justice of the Peace, for their conveyance to the place
aforesaid.  And George Mayer, constable of the parish
of Alresford, to convey them from thence according to
the Justice so named-but let them go, contrary to law."
( 1608).

THE PARISH OF ALDERSHOT, THEN AND NOW

First a Tithing in the Manor of Crondal, then a Manor,
a Country village, and now, the home of the British
Army.  For at least 700 years one parish, one church.
No other place of worship.  First a small rectangular
church, then someone added a tower (unless it came
first). Then they built a chancel, rebuilt the tower and
added the top story which now houses the bells.

30

No doubt they thought that all was finished, save to
make God's House more seemly for His worship.  How
wrong they were! For in 1855 the Camp came, together
with the men who built it.  And a Town to meet their
needs. In 1859 the church had been extended. In 1861
a church was to be built in Grosvenor Road, and a site
and many subscriptions were in hand.  The Church,
when it came was Holy Trinity in Victoria Road, built
in 1878.  Its parish taken right out of the centre of the
Old Parish, which still surrounds it.  Being right at the
extreme end of its parish, it needed a mission church at
the West End, and in 1887 St. Alban's was built.  St.
Michael's had the same problem, and in 1901 St. Aidan's
was provided.  Eventually the districts were built up,
and the two missions combined in one permanent
church, that of The Ascension, in Ayling Hill. Ecclesias-
tically the Camp remains part of the Old Parish, but from
the start, the Army Chaplains were responsible for the
spiritual welfare of the Troops.  The fine churches of
All Saints (the Royal Garrison Church) and that of St.
George, consecrated in 1863 and 1892 respectively, serve
the needs of the South and North Camps.  Another
community grew up on the East side of the Town, and a
Mission was established at North Town in 1882. Tn
1907 a permanent church dedicated to St. Augustine was
built, and it is now a separate and thriving parish.  The
village of Badshot-Lea has had many problems.  Situated
in Surrey, just over the Hampshire border, it has had a
chequered existence.

It has shared in all the upheavals caused by the growth
of its near neighbour, Aldershot.  In 1850 there was a
small School-cum-mission room.  It was then part of
Tongham parish.  In 1899 a curate was appointed and
steps taken to build a church of their own.  The Church
of St. George was erected and consecrated on 24 Oct.
1903.

Badshot-Lea was once part of the Parish of Farnham,
then of Tongham until 1926, when it was transferred to
Aldershot. In 1944 it was given independent status as a
Conventional District within the parish and Deanery of
Aldershot.  It now seems to be within the Deanery of

31

Farnham, but to retain its status as a Convenlional
District as before.

Conclusion.  The foregoing can be no more than an
introduction to a subject, all the more interesting in view
of the difficulty of obtaining information regarding the
past.  The Churchwardens' accounts and other valuable
documents were lost years ago, and little remains.

It is hoped to write a fuller account later, and to be
able to quote the original documents in a number of
cases.
For further information regarding Aldershot it is
suggested that an enquirer should read `The Story of
Aldershot' by Lieut-Colonel Howard N. Cole, O.B.E.,
T.D. (Hon. Remembrancer of the Borough) and visit
the Aldershot Room of the Public Library where the
staff are always ready to assist enquirers,
The author expresses his indebtedness to the work of
the late Dr. Gibson, and to the many friends who so
readily assist him in his enquiries.

It is also desired to thank the publishers of this
handbook for their help and excellent work.
The notification of errors, or the furnishing of addi-
tional information would be much appreciated.
                             J.W.B.

.

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