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Shalfleet ChurchPictures of the Interior |
Looking up the nave through the rood screen, erected in 1909 in honour of Thomas Hollis, Church Warden, to the chancel and alter.
Sexton, tailor, postmaster, shopkeeper – Thomas Hollis of Shalfleet
In early May 1909, a most unusual service was held in Shalfleet parish church. It was arranged for the dedication of the chancel (rood) screen by the Bishop of Southampton to commemorate Thomas Hollis’s 55 years of service as a sexton.
However, this was no memorial service as Mr Hollis was himself present. According to the County Press of 15th May 1909 – “Mr Hollis, who retired from duty at Easter, was present at the service and despite his 84 years appeared well and hearty.
“Ordinary evensong was first said by the vicar (Rev. C. C. Shute) and special hymns were sung. Miss Roach ably presiding at the organ. The Bishop, after reading the dedicatory prayers, gave an address, in which he congratulated the people of Shalfleet on the acquisition of that beautiful and suitable chancel screen, which, he thought they must all feel, added dignity and completeness to the church. The screen had been erected in honour of Thomas Hollis, a very old and esteemed resident in the parish, who had served faithfully in an important church office for upwards of half a century. It was customary to erect offerings of that kind after those in whose honour they were raised passed out of this world. They were therefore glad and thankful that the subject of that offering had not passed away, but was there taking part in the worship that evening.
The screen, which is in its original position across the chancel, was designed by Percy Stone F.R.I.B.A., a well known Island architect of the time and made of 700 year old oak from Arreton Church by local craftsmen.
Not long after its erection, Dr Ernest Wyndham Cottle (see below) of Ningwood Manor, a nephew of a former vicar offered to pay for repairs to the tower, which was in a dangerous state, on the condition that the screen was moved. Repairs were carried out in 1912 and the screen moved to the back of the church. Dr Cottle died in 1919 leaving a substantial sum to found the Wyndham Cottle Home of rest for Animals and build a new wing on the county hospital, but only a green parrot and £20 to his wife. Some years later the parishioners replaced the screen to in the original position where it still stands today.
The Altar. Behind the altar is the reredos (a carved or painted screen behind the altar).
The organ
Shalfleet Church nativity window.
(Photo by Richard Telford-Baillie)
A greetings card has been produced showing this window - for more details contact me