St Mary's Church, Melbury Sampford, External and Internal carvings 1876
17.11.1876
The Western Gazette reports “ On Sunday, the Parish church was re-opened for Divine service, after having been closed for nearly two years for repairs etc The work having been performed solely by men employed for the purpose by the Earl of Ilchester, it has been executed in a very skilful manner..”
30.12.1876
The Builder reports “ The carving is arranged from natural foliage, interspersed with birds, insects and animals. The variety in the foliage, both in wood and stone, is very great, there being scarcely two examples alike throughout the whole work. The architect was Mr. James K. Colling, and the carving was all executed from full-sized drawings and designs made by that gentleman with his own hands. The sculpture, carved stonework, and marble inlay, as well as the whole of the oak seating, stall work, pulpit and desk was carried out by Mr. James Forsyth, of Edward Street, Hampstead-road “
This Church sits within the grounds of Melbury House and my photos were taken after the huge generosity of the Landowner, Viscountess Charlotte Townsend, who not only allowed me and my family access to the Church but gave us a tour when we arrived
The Western Gazette reports “ On Sunday, the Parish church was re-opened for Divine service, after having been closed for nearly two years for repairs etc The work having been performed solely by men employed for the purpose by the Earl of Ilchester, it has been executed in a very skilful manner..”
30.12.1876
The Builder reports “ The carving is arranged from natural foliage, interspersed with birds, insects and animals. The variety in the foliage, both in wood and stone, is very great, there being scarcely two examples alike throughout the whole work. The architect was Mr. James K. Colling, and the carving was all executed from full-sized drawings and designs made by that gentleman with his own hands. The sculpture, carved stonework, and marble inlay, as well as the whole of the oak seating, stall work, pulpit and desk was carried out by Mr. James Forsyth, of Edward Street, Hampstead-road “
This Church sits within the grounds of Melbury House and my photos were taken after the huge generosity of the Landowner, Viscountess Charlotte Townsend, who not only allowed me and my family access to the Church but gave us a tour when we arrived