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The two large framed lists by the south entrance show some of the early benefactors. Proceeds from these charities
are still distributed to parishioners and the house now known as "Pakemans" still exists.
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The framed list near the south entrance records the name of forty incumbents. Thomas Bagley - 1431 was burnt at the stake
in Smithfield for heresy. Henry Grindle 19 13-1928 was "tin-kettled" - a form of ostracism designed to drive him out of the parish when he married too soon (according to parishioners) after his wife's death.
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The book contains a record of gifts to the church, bequests, monies raised and works completed.
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The fine two-manual and pedal pipe organ was built about 1910 by Hunter and Sons of Clapham and given by the vicar at that time, the Revd. J B Forster. it has 20 speaking stops and over 1050 pipes.
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The splendid choir screen is early 15th century craftsmanship and originally would have glowed with bright colours. In the early 20th century it was painted a dull grey and was only restored to its present mellow oak in 1934.
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The only remaining fragment of ancient glass is in the north window of the North Transept.
The modern east window in the Chancel, with its three panels entitled: "I am the Light of the World" "I am the Resurrection and the Life" and "I am the Good Shepherd" is dedicated to the Glory of God and in Memory of the late John Thomas Esq., died 1869 and Mary Ann Thomas, died 1892 and also Revd. J B Forster, Vicar of Manuden 187 1-1913. John Thomas lived at Manuden House and Revd. Forster was his nephew.
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This Jacobean wall tablet commemorates Sir William Waad of Battles Hall, a notable diplomat and officer of state in Elizabethan and Jacobean times. He was Secretary to the Council under Queen Elizabeth I and was sent on special missions to the Emperor Rudolph, King Philip of Spain, Kings Henry III and IV of France and Mary Queen of Scots. He was Inspector General of the Forces in Ireland, Secretary to the Privy Council under James I and finally, for eight years was Lieutenant of the Tower of London where some of his many prisoners included Guy Fawkes and Sir Walter Raleigh. he retired to spend his last years at Battles Hall, Manuden, situated on the road to Furneux Pelham.
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This North Transept was built about 1400 and probably paid for by the Bataille family of Battles Hall, Manuden. Early reports mention stained glass windows with ancient coats-of-arms, including those of the Bataille family, in the north window. Originally there were three windows with probably an altar under the eastone. The west window was removed about 1777 when a door was inserted. From outside the remains of the two-light pointed window is still visible above the door. The ancient stone head now shown in the left-hand frame of the north window was found buried in the wall over the window arch. In the south eastern corner the splayed walling conceals the original staircase to the former rood loft. Later lords of Battles Manor also used this transept as their private chapel and like Sir William Waad (see above) are buried here. Also interred in the chapel are two members of the Knight family of Pinchpools Manor.
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The colourful, embroidered hassocks were started in 1972 when Mrs Pryor of Manuden House started the Hassock Fund with £25 from the Women's Institute. There are over 100 hassocks completed by villagers past and present.
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The large, copper bowl used for baptisms is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Hogg, a much-loved and respected District Nurse, who lived at Osier Cottage.
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The large parish map was produced by members of the Manuden Local history Society in 1989. Its central, quilted section shows the whole parish with its boundaries. Existing farms were embroidered separately and applied. The river, roads, woods, ponds and footpaths are all shown, as are all buildings in block form. Quotations were supplied by village organisations and clubs. The frame was painted by two local artists:
Top and right sections - Winter & Autumn - Jean Collins
Bottom and left - Summer & Spring - George Fordham
The map won first prize in the Essex Heritage Year Parish Maps Competition 1989.
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The oldest existing gravestone is dated 1781. There are two burial grounds, the oldest of which is around the church. The new graveyard. in current use, is several hundred yards west of the church along a pathway - turn right outside the porch door.
Surveys of both churchyards exist dated 1989 and 1992 respectively. The War Memorial is situated in the far, north-eastern corner of the old churchyard.
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The original church tower contained a clock, known to have been in working condition before 1680. The present tower dates from 1863 when the old tower was demolished. The tower contains six bells.
Nos. 1 & 2 engraved "T. Mears, London, 1831 fecit"
Nos. 3 & 4 engraved "Myles Graye made me 1620"
No. 5 the tenor bell - "Cast by John Warner & Sons 1863"
No. 6 and the treble bell weighing 4.5 cwt. "To the Memory of Norman Selwyn Pryor of Manuden House, Churchwarden 1928-1970. The Gift of Mrs Pryor and Family. Whitechapel Foundry 1983"
Myles Graye bell-founders flourished in East Anglia in the 16th & 17th centuries. Although the bells now date from 1620 according to a 1552 inventory there were five bells in the 16th century. The present bells were overhauled and retuned in 1983 when the sixth bell was installed.
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The registers date from 1561 and the originals are held by Essex County Record Office in Chelmsford. The church holds all registers on microfilm.
The present Priest in Charge of Manuden and the neighbouring parish
of Berden is Canon Chris Bishop. He is also Industrial Chaplain at Stansted Airport
and Rural Dean of Newport and Stansted Deanery.
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