The Medieval church dedicated to St. Cuthbert is no longer used but is still consecrated. The Scudamore family were major benefactors of both the church and people and if you have any connections with the Scudamore family, then this church is a must for your family history files. From before the 1700s they financed many repairs and improvements, and basically were largely responsible for the total upkeep of the church.
The East window is in memory of Edwyn Francis Brydges Scudamore Stanhope – who died in 1855 in Hong Kong. A window in the south wall is in memory of William Pitt Scudamore Stanhope, who was vicar at this church from 1872 until 1892. The eight bells in the tower were presented by James, Viscount Scudamore in 1709. The monuments to the Scudamore family are many, and all are impressive – they included John Scudamore who died in 1571 and his wife Sibell Vaughn of Hergest; James, son of the first Lord Scudamore who died in 1668; his wife, Jane Bennet; Dorothea, Countess of Chesterfield who died 1923; Mary Scudamore-Stanhope who died 1859; Frances Fitzroy-Scudamore, died 1749 and her daughter Frances who later became Duchess of Norfolk who died in 1820; Captain Evelyn Theodore Scudamore-Stanhope (1862-1925); John Scudamore, first Viscount of Sligo and Baron of Dromore in Ireland who died in 1716 aged only 33; Henry Athole Scudamore-Stanhope, 11th Earl of Chesterfield who died 1935 ; Chandos Scudamore-Stanhope Captain RN, who died in 1871 whilst in active service; Arthur Chesterfield Scudamore-Stanhope, died 1841 aged 8. There are 9 vaults underneath the church, where John Scudamore (died 1571 and his wife plus other members of the Scudamore family are buried. Other memorials, are for the Revd William Dowel, died 1826, vicar of this church; Jack Hayward and Thomas Biggs who died on active service in WW2; Thomas Braithwaite who died 1819, who ran the estates of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk; the Revd Richard Walwyn, vicar of this church who died 1823
Font
This font is thought to be 17th century and was provided by the Scudamore family.
Memorials
The monuments to the Scudamore family are many, and all are impressive –
Frances Fitzroy-Scudamore, died 1749 and her daughter Frances who later became Duchess of Norfolk who died in 1820 ; Captain Evelyn Theodore Scudamore-Stanhope (1862-1925); John Scudamore, first Viscount of Sligo and Baron of Dromore in Ireland who died in 1716 aged only 33; Henry Athole Scudamore-Stanhope, 11th Earl of Chesterfield who died 1935 ; Arthur Chesterfield Scudamore-Stanhope, died 1841 aged 8. There are 9 vaults underneath the church, where John Scudamore died 1571 and his wife plus other members of the Scudamore family are buried. Other memorials, are for the Revd William Dowel, died 1826, vicar of this church; Jack Hayward and Thomas Biggs who died on active service in WW2; Thomas Braithwaite who died 1819, who ran the estates of the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk; the Revd Richard Walwyn, vicar of this church who died 1823
James Scudamore
– died 1668, erected by widow Jane. This beautiful marble monument shows James in Roman costume, surrounded by cherubs, garlands and wreaths. (there is also a memorial to his wife – Jane Bennet who died in 1699, which is also in marble and she too has cherubs and garlands)
Dorothea – Countess of Chesterfield. 1827-1923
Jane Scudamore died 21st February 1699 aged 71
Chandos Scudamore-Stanhope
Chandos Scudamore-Stanhope. January 1823-7th July 1871. Died at Malta when in command of H.M. Caledonia on active service. It shows a rock on which are an anchor and chain and a fleet of vessels, from which rises an angel.
Jacobi Scudamore, died 1776
Mary Scudamore-Stanhope
Feb.15th 1789 – Aug. 3rd. 1869, wife of Sir Edwyn Frances (Baronet)