St. Martin's Church
View of St. Martin's from Ancaster Cemetery.
There is the churchyard cemetery and there is the Ancaster cemetery which is behind the church and to the right a few yards away.
The first large monument you see when you walk into the churchyard.
Beneath this tomb lie intered the mortal remains of Elizabeth Bates, who died September September the 1st 1840, Aged 71 years. Also Joanna Bates (sister of the above) who died December the 16th 1841, Aged 60 years.
James Muxlow, his wife, Susannah
In affectionate rememberance of James Muxlow, who died Dec. 3rd, 1862, aged 72 years.
And thou shalt be missed. 1 Sam. XX 18
Also of Susannah, wife of the above, who died Apr 3rd, 1866, aged 76 years.
The Lord hath sent thee away. 1 Sam XX 22
Sacred to the memory of Ann, wife of Daniel Rowe,
who departed this life Nov 9th, 1846, aged 36 years. Blessed are the ...
This was an unexpected treasure find:
the brother-in-law of Peter Dawson Cocks.
In memory of Thomas Brister...
...the son of William and Mary Brister of Bulby, who died the 21st October 1872, Aged 49 years. Have pity on me, have pity on me, at least you my friends: because the hand of the Lord hath touched me.
John Hare, died 1st Aug 1849, aged 58 years
Also, Dinah, his wife, died 28th Jan 1863, aged 65 years
Ancaster Cemetery although an ancient Roman burial ground, contains new burials today.
In the 1960's excavation of 92 ancient Roman bodies
was made. Pictured is a Roman cremation urn.
Ancaster was a Roman fort and findings indicate that this cemetery may have been one of the earliest Christian cemeteries in the country.
Ancient Roman coffin with coffin lid.
Bricks were cemented in to show the interior of the coffin.
Directly across the cemetery is another Roman coffin, notice the left end is more narrow, where the feet would have been.
Due to the angle of the picture, the coffin appears squared. Where the feet would be is actually narrower.
Mary, wife of George Alfred Muxlow, died 18th Sep 1924, aged 45, George Alfred Muxlow, died 28th Jan 1961, aged 80.
Their daughter, Edith Mary (Muxlow) wife of Harry T. Borrill, 1908 - 1973
Entrance to St. Martin's.
Ancient carvings.
Whitney is there for size comparison.
The baptismal font dates from the 12th century. Many Muxlow's were christened here.
Parish of Ancaster, Co. Lincoln, 1820
Looking towards the front.
Looking towards the rear of the church. Notice the small door up above for the bell ringers? The next picture was taken from there.
The picture appears a bit choppy because of my attempt to merge three entirely different photos together, a result of the limitations of my camera. Even so, I hope this gives you an idea of the size and beauty of the builders skill and workmanship. Notice the number of windows above on each side as well as the pointed arches on the right and the rounded arches on the left.
This is the side opposite the entrance door.
Each of the three rounded arches is carved in a different pattern.
The carved wood bird holds the Bible on it's back. Notice the window and memorial stone in the corner.
A closer view of the stained-glass window.
Another view of the Bible stand and the other window near the memorial stone.
Benj. Towne, gent late of Grantham, who departed this life the 14th of Sep 1739, aged 78
Facing the front of the church, the Bible stand is to the left and the pulpit is to the right.
The beautiful stained-glass window behind the alter.
There are about 11 or so names mentioned on this marble memorial, among them, Elizabeth, wife of William Roe Esq. who died 27 Mar 1765, aged 48 yrs. Also her son, John Roe, Esq. who died 7 Mar 1796, aged 54 years.
Stone steps to the pulpit.
Even the pulpit was made of stone.
Carved decoration on the pulpit.
Front of the pulpit.
Stained-glass window near the pulpit.
Natural light was my preference but, unfortunately, I did not have a tripod with me.
Closer view, using a flash, of the window.
The entrance is under the middle arch, Doug Muxlow is just to the right of the door by the window.
After St. Hugh died, his body was taken to Lincon for burial. The party rested for the night in Ancaster and St. Hugh's body was laid in St. Martin's church until morning when the journey continued on to Lincoln.This banner commemorates that day.
The back wall of the church.
Whitney learned how bells were rung from Eric Brear.
There are many beautiful stained-glass windows in the church.
The windows, of course, are not always as old as the church building itself.
Eric took Whitney outside to the bell tower.
Church steeple and bell tower.
The stairwell was very narrow and steep,
barely room on the step for my foot.
This room in the bell tower contains all five ropes to the bells. Through an opening in the small door overlooking the inside of the church, the bell ringers were able to watch the priest and know when to ring the bells.
This is the view the bell ringers would
have had from this room.
Continuing up the stairs (behind Whitney in the picture above) took us to the bells.
Thank you, Eric, it was a great adventure and one Whitney will always remember. Perhaps Whitney's GGGGgrandfather, George Muxlow, had been a bellringer in his day.
This schoolhouse was built in 1862 and sets
off the main road about a quarter of a mile.
Thompsons Quarry is close to Ancaster, here's a link to learn more about the quarry. A training ground for firemen is nearby as well as a paintball field.