St Edward's Church has a much restored 14th-century west tower, while the rest of the building was rebuilt in 1752 and again in 1875-7. The regular rectilinear shape of the churchyard is evidence of its late foundation.
St. Edward's Church had previously been dedicated to St. Lawrence.
Hereford Times - 28th September 1844
KNIGHTON CHURCH.—The squeaking old instrument in the shape of an organ, that has so long annoyed the ears of the church people, has lately been removed, and, through the munificence of the respected vicar, the Rev. J. R. Brown; a very neat and pretty-toned organ has been placed in the front gallery by Mr. Child, of Hereford, which is at the same time a very great improvement and ornament to the church. The thanks of the inhabitants are due to the above Rev. gentleman for his very handsome present; and now that they have a good organ, we hope the lovers of sacred music in this town will at once bestir themselves, and enter into a subscription for the purpose of paying some competent person to instruct the present singers (the Charity-school children), as there is nothing tends more to a true feeling of devotion than good singing.
Hereford Journal - 23rd October 1844
A great improvement is about to be made in the church by altering the entrance from the side to the end of the building. A great deal of room will be gained in the body of the church, which will be made into about fifty free sittings. This will be a great accommodation, and one that has been long wanted. A great many of the poor inhabitants, who have hitherto been de-barred from listening to the word of God in this sacred building, will now have the opportunity of hearing the beautiful discourses of our worthy Vicar, who has guaranteed that the whole shall be done without touching the pockets of the rate-payers.
Hereford Times - 30 May 1857
KNIGHTON
THE TOWN CLOCK. We have the greatest pleasure in having to announce to them the presentation of an elegant town clock, manufactured by one of the most prominent London makers, with all the modern improvements. It has a face five feet in diameter, which will be illuminated by gas, and is presented to the town by an old and greatly esteemed townsman, who, although not now a resident here, has shown that he has its welfare at heart, by having thus offered a substantial token of his regard to the old town, A town clock was much wanted here. Sometime after the generous donor had given his order for the clock, he learnt that some of his old friends in his native town desired an illuminated face to the clock, and he immediately called upon the manufacturer and gave the requisite order. Would we had many such of his stamp in our immediate locality ! It was at first proposed to erect the clock on a handsome pedestal in the centre of the town, on the site of the old building, which has recently been summarily cast down. We allude to the Old Town-hall, as it was termed, or in other words, town nuisance, which latter was the more appropriate by far. It has now been levelled with the street, and a fine open space is left. The clock was wished by many to have been placed there, and it is without a doubt the most appropriate spot; but some of the inhabitants objected that the noise would be too great, while others thought it would be unwise to enclose a fine open space, so desirable as an open square, commodious in every respect for the markets and fairs, &c. It has at length been determined to place the clock at the church, and the work will, we are told, be proceeded with immediately. The donor of it is Henry Miles, Esq., of the Downfields, near Kington, Herefordshire. A suitable acknowledgment will doubtless be made by our authorities to this worthy and liberal-hearted gentleman. We trust to see some more of our opulent men coming forward and volunteering some such lasting benefit to the town as the one we have just recorded. There is no cause to ponder long as to the way in which they can improve the town by some handsome present.
Hereford Journal - 28th October 1857
THE NEW TOWN CLOCK.---A meeting of the principal inhabitants of this town was held at the Public Rooms on Monday, the 19th instant, convened for the purpose, of giving the inhabitants an opportunity of expressing their thanks to Henry Miles, Esq., of Downfield, Herefordshire, for his munificent gift of a Town Clock. The Rev. J. R. Brown occupied the chair, when the several resolutions contained in our advertising columns were proposed, seconded, and unanimously carried.
The clock was built by John Moore & Sons of Clerkenwell in the London Borough of Islington.
Hereford Journal - 28th October 1857
KNIGHTON. - A Meeting of the Gentry and Tradesmen of the Town of KNIGHTON, held at the PUBLIC Rooms; on the 19th day of OCTOBER, 1857,
The Rev. J. R. BROWN (Minister of the Parish) In the Chair:
The following Resolution, proposed by Mr. PETERS, and seconded by Mr. ARCHIBALD, was unanimously carried
"That the thanks of the Inhabitants of this Town are especially due to Henry Miles, Esq., of Downfield, for his unsolicited gift of the valuable Clock, recently placed in the steeple of. the Parish Church. and that this Meeting is desirous of expressing its thanks to that gentleman for having thus munificently supplied a want so long and universally felt by the residents of Knighton."
Proposed by the Rev. J. R BROWN, and seconded by Mr. BANKS:
"That a deputation be appointed to wait upon Mr. Miles with the above resolution, and that the names of all parties wishing to tender their thanks to that gentleman, be printed and presented therewith."
Proposed by Mr. BANKS, seconded by Mr. GREEN :
"That the thanks of the Meeting are due to Mr. Peters, as Chairman of the Committee of Management for the erection of the Clock."
Hereford Journal - 18th April 1860
Little more than two years ago was noticed in our columns the munificent gift of Henry Miles, Esq., of Downfield, to the inhabitants of Knighton of a valuable town-clock, which being placed to the steeple of the parish church, became an ornament to the sacred edifice, and was especially regarded as a boon by every resident of Knighton, and has since been appreciated by the vastly increasing population of the town.
Henry Miles, Esq., of Downfield, had been the Sheriff of Radnorshire in 1847
Hereford Journal - 6th September 1862
THE CHURCH - This sacred edifice will, it appears be closed for a short time after Sunday next, for the purpose of undergoing necessary internal cleansing and repairing. Divine services in the mean time will be held in the large room of the New Buildings.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 15th January 1869
A NEW ORGAN FOR KNIGHTON CHURCH —On Monday afternoon a meeting was held at the offices of the Radnorshire Coal Company, H. Ayre Esq., in the chair, to take into consideration the expediency of having a new organ for the Church, in place of the one at present in use, when it was unanimously decided that steps should be taken, if possible, to have one by Easter Sunday. The specifications of an organ, about four times the dimensions of the present one, by Messsrs. Gray and Davison. were laid on the table, the cost being stated at £250. A subscription list was opened in the room, when the following amounts were promised:-
Rev. J R Brown - £10
W O Banks Esq - £10
H Ayre Esq - £5
R Cooper Esq - £5
W. Archibald Esq - £5
C P Hill Esq - £5
W Banks Esq - £5
Mr J Morris - £1 1s
Mr Buckley - £1 1s
Knighton certainly wants a new Church to put the new organ in, and we hope the day is not far distant when that, too, will be obtained.
On Tuesday 9th February 1869 a concert was held in the Assembly Rooms of the Knighton Hotel, in aid of the Church fund, where over £10 was raised.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 2nd April 1869
KNIGHTON - EASTER. SUNDAY MUSICAL FESTIVAL.—The new organ in the parish church was again tested as to its power in several performances from Handel and Mozart, and once more elicited decided approval. In the morning an anthem from Mozart's 12th Mass was sung and played beautifully.
The evening service was entirely choral, the Psalms for the day being chanted to Monk and Ouseley. The anthem, "I know that my Redeemer liveth," was given with great effect, as were also the Easter Hymns chosen for the day. The service closed with the "Hallelujah Chorus." We heartily congratulate the choir in having such a music-master to direct them in their practice, and our talented organist in having a choir so desirous of excelling." After each service collections were made in aid of the National Schools of this town.
To listen to the Psalms being chanted click (this will open a new tab in your browser and take you to YouTube)
Guildford Cathedral Choir, directed by Barry Rose:
Evensong at Guildford Cathedral, 11 July 1968:
(Psalms 59 [Frederick Ouseley], Psalm 60 [Herbert Brewer], Psalm 61 [John Marsh].
Wellington Journal - 12th June 1869
The new organ fund has been augmented with a donation of £10 from the Right Hon the Marquis of Hartington, M.P., which we are pleased to say, reduces the amount outstanding to £70. The organ gives general satisfaction, which speaks highly of the abilities of the maker (Messrs. Gray and Davidson, London.) A great improvement is made in the service by the removal of the choir to the chancel.
Shrewsbury Chronicle - 8th October 1869
NEW CHURCH MEETING.—It has been generally thought that this town ought to have better church accommodation than it at present possesses; and of late it has become more than ever evident that the matter ought not to be delayed, the great improvement in the service in a musical direction having caused a very increased attendance, and which would, it is believed, be still further increased if accommodation were found. In consequence a meeting was called of the inhabitants of the town and parish of Knighton, at the Norton Arms Hotel, for the 5th inst, to inspect plans of Mr. S. Pountney Smith, of Shrewsbury, architect, and his report thereon.
The meeting was numerously and influentially attended. On the proposition of the Rev. E. L. Davis, seconded by Mr. Bowen, Mr. Peters took the chair.-The Chairman, after explaining the object of the meeting, read the report of Mr. Smith upon the old church, which he condemned as unworthy of the cost of restoration. He, in consequence, recommended a new church; and having been instructed to prep the plans they were produced at the meeting.
The Chairman read Mr. Smith's observations, explanatory of his plains and design; and after dwelling on the increased advantages and accommodation of the proposed new church, when compared with the present church, he moved the following resolution, which was seconded by Mr. W. Banks :- "That, in the opinion of this meeting, the plans of Mr. S. P. Smith, are worthy of high commendation, and meet with the approval of this meeting, and appear to embody in the arrangements and increased accommodation (the increase being about 350 sittings) the present and anticipated wants of the town and parish, and to supply the acknowledged deficiencies of the present church. That it is farther the opinion of the meeting that the undertaking is worthy of the cordial exertions of the inhabitants of the parish to raise funds to carry it out."
The resolution was carried unanimously.—It was proposed by Mr. Covernton and seconded by Mr Bowen, "That a committee be appointed to adopt means, and raise subscriptions for the erection of a new church, in accordance with Mr. S. Pountney Smith's plans; and that the committee consist of the following persons, with power to add to their numbers.":—
R Green Price, Esq
Rev. J Rogers
Rev. J R Brown
Rev. N. L. Davies
H Ayre Esq
W Banks, Esq.
C. P. Hill, Esq
T. Peters, Esq
C. J. Covernton, Esq
H. O. Brown, Esq
Mr. W. O. Banks
Mr. J. Green
Mr. Bowen
Mr. Buckley
Mr. Greenhouse
Mr. Rutter
Mr. George Edwards
Mr. Thatcher
Mr. J Morris
Mr. Lewis
Mr. Johnstone
Mr. Smith
Mr. Brown (Llunsilio)
Mr. Ravenscroft
Mr. Watson (Farrington)
Mr. W. Jones (The Brook)
Mr. Hamar, (Cwmgilla)
Mr. J. Weyman (The Grove).
1875 Knighton was given a grant of £100 towards the rebuilding of the church
Eddowes's Journal - 31st May 1871
KNIGHTON - A GRAND EVENING CONCERT - At the Assembly Rooms, on Tuesday evening week, a concert was given in aid of the fund being raised to pay off the debt still owing on the new organ, in the parish church.
Eddowes's Journal - 20th October 1875
KNIGHTON PARISH CHURCH RESTORATION - We are glad to be able to state that at the meeting of the Diocesan Church Building Society at Ludlow , on the 7th instant, the Rev, James R Brown and C J Covernton, Esq., attended and submitted to the meeting the plans of Mr. S Pountney Smith to carry out the reconstruction, and they were inspected by the Bishop of Hereford, Arch-deacon Waring, and the clergy present, and met with their unanimous approval, and a grant of £100 was promised out of the limited funds applicable for that purpose.
The Restoration Committee beg to testify their thanks for this timely assistance, and they take this opportunity to state that after having accepted a tender for the work, and computed the necessary attendant expenses, there is still a deficiency of nearly £1,000 to complete the restoration.
The committee having exhausted almost all the legitimate sources of subscriptions, again solicit the further aid of all who are able to help on the good work, and request them to send their contributions to the treasurer, Mr Meddlicott, manager of the North and South Wales Bank, Knighton.
Eddowes's Journal - 11th July 1877
A GRAND FANCY BAZZAR will be held on the RACECOURSE. KNIGHTON, on WEDNESDAY and THURSDAY JULY the 18th and 19th, 1877, in Aid of the Funds for KNIGHTON CHURCH RESTORATION. Stalls will be held by Lady EMILY WALSH, lady BRYDGES and Miss ROGERS, Lady LEWIS, Lady GREEN RICE, Mrs. ROGERS (Refreshment Tent), Mrs. GREEN RICE and Mrs. T. B. MYNORS, Mrs. C. PETERS and the Misses BROWN, Mrs. COBDEN and Mrs. BANNERMAN.
The Bazaar will open at Twelve o'clock punctually, and will close at Seven p.m. Admission, One Shilling.
A Band will be in attendance on the grounds, and various Amusements (including Conjuror's Tent) will be provided.
Refreshments will include Luncheon from One to Three o'clock, and Tea, Coffee, Fruit, Ices, &c., later in the afternoon.
Special arrangements will be made for the issuing of Tickets, at Reduced Fares, from all Stations on the Shrewsbury and Hereford and Central Wales Railway.
At the very beginning of this article it was mentioned that the Church of St. Edward's had previously been dedicated to St. Lawrence. The following extract is a way of corroborating this.
Wellington Journal - 15th September 1877
KNIGHTON. DEATH OF THE REV. JAMES GAY —The funeral of the Rev. J. Gay took place on Saturday last. A number of the leading inhabitants and the ministers of all denominations in Knighton, and several from a distance, together with the members of the Baptist Church, of which he was the pastor for four years, and the children who attended his school, followed his remains to St. Lawrence's churchyard, where the body was interred. The members of his congregation and friends attended Divine service at the National School-room on Sunday last, when the Rev. J. R Brown (vicar) preached a most feeling and appropriate sermon.
Rev. James Gay's headstone can be found in section 'C' of the churchyard.
London Standard - 19th November 1877
The parish church of St. Edward, Knighton, has been re-opened by the Bishop of Hereford. The work of restoration commenced in April, 1876, and was entrusted to Mr. Williams, builder, Mr. Pountney Smith being the architect. The total cost of the work, when completed, will be little short of £4,000. The amount raised by subscriptions was £3,424 14s 7d., leaving a sum of £500 to be raised.
The Bishop of Hereford at this time was,
James Atlay (1817-1894)
Pountney Smith, or to give him his full name, Samuel Pountney Smith, JP (1812-1883) was an architect who practised in Shrewsbury. Besides creating plans for the restoration of Knighton Church, he also produced plans for:-
Holy Trinity Church, Leaton, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 1860
St. Michael, Shrewsbury, Shropshire. 1855
St Peter & St Paul, Sheinton, Shropshire. 1854
St Michael, Munslow, Shropshire. 1869-71
St Michael and All Angels, Stanton Long, Shropshire. 1842-3.
He also produced the original plans for Holy Trinity, Coleham, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, which were used in its alterations in 1886, some 3 years after Samuels death.
The original plans for the restoration and rebuilding of St Edward's Church can be seen HERE. Although, the final layout was somewhat altered in it's execution.
(link to Incorporated Church Building Society held at the Lambeth Palace Library site 'LUNA')
Eddowes's Journal - 21st November 1877
RE- OPENING OF THE NAVE OF KNIGHTON CHURCH.
Knighton can now boast that it is to no way behind that great crowd of cities, towns, and rural parishes which have in recent years built new churches, restored old ones, and made that which was dilapidated, damp, cheerless, and uninviting. - comely and beautiful. The parish church of St. Edward had fallen in sad decay and was as a building altogether unworthy of the town and those good people in it who loved the grand old service of the Church of England. This old state of things has now, however, passed away, and on Friday morning last the inhabitants were summoned to repair to their renovated parish church and celebrate in befitting manner the reopening of the nave. The day was bright and pleasant, and there were besides the regular attendants at this church many visitors from afar.
The committee consisted of :-
Sir Richard Green Price, Bart , Norton Manor,
Chairman - Rev. J Rogers, Stanage Park
Rev. J. Brown, Vicar, Knighton
Mr. W. Bowen, churchwarden
Mr. Thomas Peters
Mr. John Morris
Mr. George Green
Mr. R. D. Green Price, Nantygroes
Mr. John Brown, Llanshay
Rev. J. N. Brown, curate, Knighton
Mr. T. Watson, churchwarden, Farringdon, Knighton
Mr. Jonathan Green
Mr. James Rocke
Mr. Richard Hamer, Cwmgilla
Mr. C. P. Petters
Mr. C. J. Coveruton.
The treasurer was Mr. J. P. Medlicott, North and South Wales Bank, and the hon. secretary, Mr. W. A. Collins.
The committee in their report up to the 3rd of November stated that the statement of receipt and expenditure showed a deficiency of £493 1s. 7d. after taking credit for all subscriptions not yet received. The Earl of Powis having promised £500 towards rebuilding the chancel. which at present is quite out of character with the new building, the committee earnestly hope that means will be provided to enable them to finish the work that has hitherto progressed so favourably.
The receipts up to November 3rd were as follows .—
The payments were .--
Subscriptions paid into bank by former committee in 1869
Interest upon same 20th July, 1875
Subscriptions received to date as per bank pass book
Interest to 3rd November, 1877
Total
Mr. S. Pountney Smith, architect, account due from former committee
C. Langford, account
J. Williams, contractor for rebuilding nave and side aisles
J. Williams, contractor for restoring tower and chapel
Clerk of the works
Mr. S. P. Smith, architect, commission &c.
Faculty expenses
H Abley, sexton
Advertising
Printing
Sundries
Check book and bank commission
Total
Balance
Total
The liabilities on 3rd November were thus set forth :—
Mr. J. Williams, contractor, due on nave
Mr. J. Williams, contractor, due on porch
Mr. S. Pountney Smith, balance
Knighton Gas Company
Messrs. Blews and Sons, Birmingham. refitting bells
Carved Stone pulpit
Printing
Total
The assets were :—
Balance in hand. 3rd of November, 1877
Subscription from Church Building Society
Unpaid promised subscriptions
Miss Watts, Hereford, donation towards carved stone pulpit
Total
Deficiency
Amongst the subscribers are the following :—
The Most Hon. the Marquis of Hartington
Rev. J. 0. and Mrs. Rogers, Stanage Park
Sir. R. Green Price, Bart
The Lord of Trinity Hospital in Clun
Church Building Society
Miss M. Green. The Laurels
The representatives of the Duppa family, Llanshay
Mr. R. D. Green Price, Nantygroe
Rev. J. R. Brown, Knighton
Mrs. Miles, Downfields
Miss Miles
Mr. John Brown, Llanshay
Mr. Meredith, Lincoln's Inn, London
Mr. G. T. Edwards, Lincoln's Inn, London
Mr. C. J. Covernton, surgeon, Knighton
The Hon. A. Walsh, M.P
Mr. W. Bowen, grocer. Knighton
Mr. John Morris, draper, Knighton
Miss Rogers, Stanage Park. collecting card
Miss Jessie Brawn, Knighton, collecting card
Rev. Sir. Gilbert Lewis, Harpton Court
Col. Price, Castle Weir
Mr. Walter Jones, Treverward
The late Ven. Archdeacon Waring
Rev. H. H. Miles, late Downfields
Miss Edith Covernton, collecting card
Mrs Buckley, collecting card
The Lord Bishop of Hereford
Mr. C Meredith, jun., Lincoln's Inn
A friend
Mr. F. C. Cobden, The Cottage, Knighton
Rev. E. L. Davies. Whitehall, Knighton
Mr. G. J. Harding. draper, Knighton
Mr. Jonathan Green. solicitor
Mr. Joseph Walsh, surgeon
Mr. .J. P. Medlicott, North and South Wales Bank
Rev. E. J. and Mrs. Green, Leintwardine
Messrs. Thacker and Weyman, Ironmongers
Mr. James Rocke, tailor
Mrs. Frant, Dudgeon, Tunbridge Walls
Rev. J H. Browne, Knighton
Mr. Charles Langford, Post office
Mrs. Cooper. Horse and Jockey
Mr. W. J. Lewis, draper
Mr. K Boughton-knight
Mrs. Johnston. Bull Ring
Mr. George Green, solicitor
Mr. John Davies, maltstar
Mr. R. Hamer, Cwmgilla
Mr. Thomas Watson
Mr. John Williams, builder
The Total amount of the first subscription list was
The Total amount of the second subscription list was
Tower restoration fund
Bazaar fund
Total
£104 18s. 6d.
£13 15s. 9d.
£3,424 14s. 7d.
£37 10s. 4d.
£3,580. 19s. 2d.
£49 14s. 3d.
£2 12s. 3d.
£2,414 3s. 2d.
£.315 14s. 6d.
£58 15s. 3d.
£139 12s. 6d.
£10 7s. 8d.
£3 3s. 0d.
£3 3s. 0d.
£9 15s. 2d.
£1 15s. 0d.
£7 6s. 1d.
£3,018 2s. 3d.
£562 16s. 11d.
£3.580. 19s. 2d.
£715 0s. 0d.
£227 6s. 0d.
£71 1s. 6d.
£111 3s. 0d.
£50 0s. 0d.
£40 12s. 0d.
£5 16s. 6d.
£1,221 8s. 6d.
£562 16s. 11d.
£100 0s. 0d.
£40 10s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£728 6s. 11d.
£493 1s. 7d.
£300 0s. 0d.
£250 0s. 0d.
£160 0s. 0d.
£100 0s. 0d.
£100 0s. 0d.
£100 0s. 0d.
£60 0s. 0d.
£60 0s. 0d.
£55 0s. 0d.
£55 0s. 0d.
£51 0s. 0d.
£50 0s. 0d.
£35 0s. 0d.
£35 0s. 0d.
£32 0s. 0d.
£30 0s. 0d.
£30 0s. 0d.
£30 0s. 0d.
£28 0s. 0d.
£27 0s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£25 0s. 0d.
£23 4s. 0d.
£21 13s. 6d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£20 0s. 0d.
£16 1s. 1d.
£16 0s. 0d.
£15 14s. 0d.
£15 2s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£15 0s. 0d.
£2,388 6s. 11d.
£556 2s. 0d.
£242 7s. 11d.
£234 3s. 0d.
£3721 9s. 0d.
Amongst the special gifts are:-
Sir R. G. Price, Bart., and Thomas Peters, Ystrad House, for raising entrance arch, £12 ; Miss Miles, Downfields, the window in erecting wall over chancel arch.
A new font, lectern, and prayer desk are still required.
The contractor J Williams, who was in charge of the rebuilding of the nave, chapel and tower was, 36 year old John Williams, originally from Flintshire. He, his wife Ann (nee Jenkins) and their son John David moved to Knighton sometime in the early 1870's.
Eddowes's Journal - 21st November 1877
The church, when the promoters of the work under notice commenced their operations two years ago, consisted of the western tower (the only remains of the ancient church) — a plain spreading parallelogram under one span of roof, dating from the last century, and a small chancel of still later date.
For some years prior to the ultimate decision to take down and rebuild the church, great efforts had been made by the parish to utilise and enlarge the building, and various plans were made and discussed for that purpose, all, however, with the same result.
The building could not be improved or made suitable without an expenditure little short of what a new building would cost; and recent experience of the condition in which the old material was found, and more especially the great trusses of the roof spanning over 40 feet between the walls, has fully justified the conclusion arrived at—that the building, although erected but eighty years ago, was thoroughly unsound and verging on collapse. In dealing with the limited area between the ancient tower, which must of course remain, and the chancel, which belongs to the Governors of Clun Hospital, the Building Committee decided to commence their operations by simply rebuilding the body of the church, increasing the width, and consequently the accommodation.
This has been done.
The new nave and aisle, out to out measure 67½ feet east to west, by 53½ feet north to south, the central height being 41 feet, giving accommodation to from 400 to 420 worshippers.
This, the first contract, has been carried out at a cost of £3,023, including two powerful Rimington stoves; subsequently, during the progress of the works on the first contract, the east wall has been rebuilt to receive the intended new chancel, its aisle, and transept; the ancient tower having been thoroughly repaired, the summit somewhat raised, re-roofed, and the masonry restored; the openings for light and entrance, which had been in past times rudely made in the massive walls, have been filled with traceried window and doorway of substantial masonry; the bell frame has been partly renewed and repaired; the bells have been re-hung in substantial manner with new wheels, ropes, and brasses; the belfry has received a new ceiling of wood ; the old vane has been repaired, and re-gilt, and re-fixed with a lightning conductor.
A spacious and substantial porch has been built on the south-west angle, formed by the tower and the west end of south aisle, and in connection with the tower, and a vaulted recess has been formed for a baptistery in the south aisle. The church has been supplied with gas service and handsome fittings at a further expenditure of about £1,000; these works leave the church complete from the western face of the tower to the western face of the chancel arch. An Arrangement having been made with the warden of Clun Hospital (the Earl of Powis) for the removal of the chancel, and his lordship having generously subscribed £500 towards rebuilding.
Edward James Herbert, 3rd Earl of Powis
(5 November 1818 – 7 May 1891)
The committee are now proceeding to the necessary extension eastward, viz., for choir and chancel, 35 feet by 20 feet; choir transept, 20 feet by 20 feet; organ chamber, north, 20 by 15 feet; and vestry. This extension, on account of the declivity of the ground, and the increased cost of building an outlay arises from £200 to £300.
Having mentioned. the general history of the undertaking, and of the promoters' future plans, a description of the work, as carried out up to the day of the public re-opening on Friday last, may not be out of place.
First, therefore, in impotence, is the venerable tower, plain, solid, and capped with timber framed campanile in double tier, formerly covered with stone, but now with brown Staffordshire tiles: it is about 20 feet square and about 70 feet, from the ground to the summit; its walls vary from 6½ feet in thickness at the base, to 4½ feet under the bell frame, and are remarkably sound.
The lower or ground floor story has been roughly pierced on the west for light, and south for entrance, whilst an arched opening in the east gave access to the Church, otherwise nothing beyond a few simple openings had existed in the old stonework. The bell frame had evidently been mounted on the summit of the old walls.
The ground storey has for the last century formed (with porch attached) the sole entrance to the Church and from motives of economy of space that arrangement is retained on the new plan. The roughly-cut window and doorway have. however, been reconstructed, and the 18th century porch placed on an enlarged plan, all in accordance with the style adopted for the general fabric.
The new nave and aisles have been constructed of stone from the local quarry, the dressings according to situation of stone from Grinshill and Bath, the mortar and concrete being made of Wenlock lime. The roofs and fittings are made of Savannah pitch pine, English oak, and red deal; the covering of Broseley tiles, the flooring of Maw's encaustic tiles in plain pattern. The style adopted in the design for the Church follows the best English work of the 13th to the 14th century. The aisles are lean-to with traceried windows of three lights each. The nave has a clerestory of single trefoiled lights.
The arcades are of four arches in cylindrical columns, with semi-cylindrical responds. The chancel arches have yet to be done. The fittings are roomy and convenient. The windows are glazed with tinted cathedral glass in lead by John Davies, of Shrewsbury, and provided with ample casements for ventilation. The timber roofs are constructed with massive scantlings, hammer beam principals, sub-principals, purlins braces, brackets, and spars, all dressed and varnished; the tile roof and ceiling are carried by diagonally placed rafters, and the double oak plates are trussed and bolted deep into the walls below.
The new entrance doors in the tower, together with those in the porch, are massively framed of pitch pine, hung to frames of the same material, with ornamental strap hinges of wrought iron, the latches and bolts worked in accordance with the character of the building. In addition to the works already done, and the extensions contemplated in the building, eastward there is ample scope for individual munificence in providing a new pulpit (for which £40 has been already contributed), a font, reredos, and altar, with fittings, the improvement, and rebuilding of the organ (now standing in the Public-rooms), stained glass, &c, &c.
The general contractor for the works is Mr. Williams, of Knighton, who, with his workmen, have given great satisfaction to the building committee and the architect by the substantiality, energy, and promptitude with which the works entrusted to them have been carried out. The architect is Mr. Pountney Smith, of Shrewsbury, and the works have been generally superintended by Mr Nurse.
A reredos is an altarpiece, or a screen or decoration behind the altar in a church, usually depicting religious iconography or images.
THE FONT - On the practically complete rebuilding of the church at Knighton in the year 1877, the font then in existence was replaced by a modern one, the ancient one being buried in a neighbouring field. In 1911 it was removed and was put in the care of the Rev. D Edmondes Owen, rector of Llandingad Carmarthenshire. The font is octagonal in shape, and of the ordinary type of the late 14th centuary. The font can now be found in Llanelwedd churchyard. Powys
On 8th October 1888, John Williams, Builder & Contractor, who was in charge of the rebuilding of the nave, chapel and tower of St. Edwards church died, aged 47. He was buried in Knighton old cemetery. His wife, Ann, followed him to their final resting place on 8th February 1891, she was aged 53 years.
South Wales Daily News - 4th March 1896
KNIGHTON. THE PARISH CHURCH - It is intended to rebuild the chancel of the parish church at Knighton, and the work will be commenced soon after Easter. The vicar (the Rev M. H. Ricketts) has made himself responsible for moneys required, which is estimated at £1,450. The plans of Mr Pearson, R, A., which were obtained some years ago, will be followed, omitting a proposed organ chancel. The subscriptions already offered includes £300 each from the Rev M. H. Ricketts (vicar) and Mr Frank Edwards, The Cottage, Knighton £50 from Mr P. C. Milbank, M.P.. Lord Lieutenant of the county and £25 from Mrs J. Rogers, Eccleston-square, London.
South Wales Echo - 30th January 1893
A MUNIFICENT GIFT. Towards the fund for the completion of Knighton Parish Church, a work which for a great number of years has been sadly needed, Mr Frank Edwards, M.P., and Mrs Edwards have signified their intention to contribute the handsome sum of £300.
South Wales Daily News - 4th March 1896
KNIGHTON. THE PARISH CHURCH.— It is intended rebuilding the chancel of the parish church at Knighton, and the work will be commenced soon after Easter. The vicar (the Rev M. H. Ricketts) has made himself responsible for moneys required, which is estimated at £1,450. The plans of Mr Pearson, R, A., which were obtained some years ago, will be followed, omitting a proposed organ chamber. The subscriptions already offered includes £300 each from the Rev M. H. Ricketts (vicar) and Mr Frank Edwards, The Cottage, Knighton £50 from Mr P. C. Milbank, M.P.. Lord Lieutenant of the county and £25 from Mrs J. Rogers, Eccleston-square, London.
Brecon and Radnor Express - 29th April 1897
The Jubilee Window - The design for the stained-glass window which it is intended to place in the new chancel at a cost of about £250 a memorial of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee were examined at the Vicarage on Monday. The subject of the one selected is "The adoration of our Lord as King of Kings by the Hosts of Heaven" and is most appropriate to the occasion. The colours are rich and brilliant and the figures lovely. The work is entrusted to Messrs Ward and Hughes, of London, who designed the beautiful window in the South aisle of the church some years ago.
South Wales Daily News - 21st December 1897
CHURCH RESTORATION AT KNIGHTON. The erection of a new chancel and organ chamber at a cost of nearly £3,000 now completes the restoration of Knighton Parish Church. The new building is of early English architecture, and excellently designed by the late Mr Pearson, R.A., and its effect is most striking. The stained east window is recognised as a most satisfactory work of art, and depicts "Our Lord in Glory." The reconsecration service was conducted by the Bishop of Hereford on Monday afternoon, who also gave an instructive and impressive address.
The Bishop of Hereford in 1897 was
John Percival
Headmaster and Bishop of Hereford
(1834–1918)
The Brecon Radnor Express - 6th August 1914
DEATH OF MISS WOODWARD.
WELL-KNOWN KNIGHTON ORGANIST.
We deeply regret to record the death of Miss Ellen Nevett Woodward, of "Thornton," Victoria road, Knighton, Which occurred at one o'clock last Tuesday. The deceased lady, who was beloved and respected by all, had been a resident in the town for 43 years, and during that period was organist at Knighton Parish Church. The late Miss Woodward was the eldest daughter of the late Rev. Henry Woodward, M.A., of Thornton Vicarage, near Bradford, and afterwards vicar of St. James' Church, Kensington, London.
Ellen Nevett Woodward died on 28th July 1914, she was buried on 31st July 1914 in Knighton Old cemetery with her sister Clara Ann Woodward who had died on 19th July 1884.
Below are images of the interior of St. Edwards Church
