St Leonard's Church, Beachamp Community, Newland, 'Prie Dieu'        1864

23.07.1864
The Worcester Journal reports upon the official opening of the Beauchamp Almshouses and the new St Leonard’s church

“ Another beautiful work of art in the Church is the Fald stool, to be used when the litany is read. It is a very beautiful work of art, and is from the studio of Mr. Wm. Forsyth, of the Tything, Worcester. It is open back and front, and consists of a top and two ends, the latter of which look North and South, and are filled with carved subjects. In the panel in the north the subject is the Magdalene washing the feet of our Saviour, and wiping them with the hair of her head, the scene being laid in the house of Simon the leper. On the south side is represented Mary meeting our Saviour after the Resurrection who is saying “ Touch me not “ The wood out of which the Fald stool is formed is Belgian oak, and the carving is very beautifully executed, the expression of the features, the folds of the dress, and even the tear in the eye of the Magdalene, being exceedingly natural. The figures are carved in high relief, and are what are technically called ‘ tool finished ‘. Above the panels is an arch, on each side of it the spandrils are filled with carved lilies of the valley, the rose, convolvulus and strawberry. The ends at each side are supported with ebony shafts, with caps and bases. The top or book-board is elaborately carved. The cross is in the centre, inlaid with ebony; at each angle of it are sunk circles containing the symbols of the Passion, the Scourge, the Crown of Thorns, nails, ladder and spear. The surrounding part is diapered, and the sides and ends contain portions of the Litany. The glory round the head of our Saviour is gilt, as are also other parts, but some are picked out with blue, others with red, and the whole article is a very beautiful work of art, and reflects great credit on the manipulator. “  

The photos below were the result of the huge generosity of Richard Codrington, Warden of the Beauchamp Community, who arranged for a private viewing of this wonderful church for myself