Archdiaconal visitations (1841, 1849 and 1853)

Post date: Nov 20, 2016 7:32:8 PM

As quoted in Religion and Society in Kent , 1640-1914 by Nigel Yates, Robert Hume and Paul Hastings, pages 82 to 83, referencing CKS, P385/6/3 and P385/6/5.

In 1841 Archdeacon Walker King was clearly very dissatisfied with arrangements in Wateringbury Church:

It is very inconvenient to erect a pew adjoining the rails, at the Communion Table, and can scarcely be justified by the additional sittings afforded to the congregation. The churchwardens should not allow Parties to hang up curtains round their Pews.By such a practice the general view of the congregation is interrupted and great offence would be given by granting an allowance to one Person and not to another and a general practice of this kind would be highly inconvenient and improper.

In 1849 Archdeacon Benjamin Harrison:

ordered ..that the pew be removed adjoining the rails of the Communion Table. It is strongly recommended that the Church be repewed and the seats lowered, whenever a general re-arrangement of the interior can be effected.

In 1853 Archdeacon Benjamin Harrison:

I find everything in good order, and have only to commend to the consideration of the parisioners the desirability of adopting some plan by which increased accommodation may be provided in the Church, with the re-arrangement of seats and the lowering of pews.

In 1858 (after 1856 reseating) Archdeacon Benjamin Harrison:

I have to express my complete satisfaction at the manner in which the enlargement and rearrangement of the Church, with the lowering of the old pews, has been carried into effect.

In 1879 rural dean J.R.Hall (deputising for the elderly Harrison) :

I find ..the internal arrangement of the seats and galleries is very unsightly and inconvenient, and I am glad to hear that there is a plan in contemplation for an entire rearrangement of the seats in the interior of the Church.