The FONT is also situated in the South Transept. The absence of carving on two faces of the NORMAN BOWL indicates something of its more recent history. For many years the Font was housed in the south east corner of the tower, until such time as it became necessary to move it to the south west corner, to enable further strengthening of the tower support. It was moved to its present more practical location in the LADY CHAPEL in March 2000, to allow for a new Meeting Room in the south-west corner.At the same time, the stone altar was relocated to a more central position.In the SOUTH AISLE note the centre window depicting St. Mary, Patron Saint of this church; St. Hugh, Bishop of Lincoln, with his swan and holding a model of his Cathedral Church and St. Botolph with a model of Boston Parish Church (The Stump) at his feet.By the north door of the church is a fine oak VESTRY CHEST, medieval, with hasps for three padlocks.This chest was cleaned and restored by members of Frampton W.I. as their contribution to the European Heritage Year.The TOWER houses a peal of SIX BELLS the earliest dated 1602. The blocked elevated doorway in the south west corner of the tower gave access to a ringing chamber floor at that level at some earlier period.The fine CHANDELIER hanging in the nave holds 25 oil candles and is in regular on festive and other important occasions. The quaint inscription on the boss proclaims it to be the gift of Coney Tunnard Gent in 1722 and the rabbit surmounting the boss is no doubt a visual pun on the name Coney. Major restoration work was carried out in 1889. The ORGAN was installed in 1909 and restored in 1981.The NAVE and AISLES were re-roofed in 1930.The modern stone ALTAR in the South Transept was erected in 1955 as a memorial to the Dennis family.More recent improvements have been made to St. Mary?s, with the addition of a gas fired warm air heating system, new carpeting for the Chancel and Nave, a kitchen and toilet. The BELL ROPES were replaced in 1999.The MEETING ROOM was completed in September 2001, using timbers of English Oak; which blend in well with the much older surroundings. The work by craftsmen of Nene Joinery, is to a very high standard.The church was re-wired and a NEW LIGHTING SCHEME installed in 2009, dedicated by The Bishop of Lincoln - The Rt. Revd. Dr John Saxbee on 30th August.At the KITCHEN entrance note the list of Priests dating from 1277.Outside, on a gabled buttress on the north-east angle of the South Transept is a grotesque sculptured head and above it a now illegible inscription:Wot ye whi I stad her for: I forswor my Saviour; ego Ricardus in AnguloAlong from the main gate, there are steps up to the top of the boundary wall, where a gentleman might mount his horse, whilst steadying himself by holding on to an iron spike set into the stonework.This ancient parish church clearly shows the loving care of successive generations, and is still used for the purpose for which it was built - as a place in which Christians can jointogether in fellowship, to worship God.BOSTON BOROUGH TOURIST CHURCH OF THE YEAR AWARD 2002(Medium Parishes Class)REQUESTS FOR FURTHER FRAMPTON HISTORY INFORMATION will be forwarded toMrs Joan Deane.
Guide to St Mary's Church - Page 2
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