A Walk  Around the Church
(continued)

7          The north-west corner of the church contained the pews used by the inhabitants of Stocks House. Wall tablets commemorate J A Gordon; John and Hannah Duncombe; and John and Elizabeth Duncombe.

8          The carved CORBEL, not necessarily now in its original place, is believed to be the oldest decorative feature in the church.

9          The old NORTH DOOR was used until recently by the worshippers from Stocks House; it now leads into the CHAPTER HOUSE, or meeting room, opened in 1995.

10        The most easterly two ARCHES flanking the north aisle were rounded until the Victorian restoration, when they were altered to conform with the rest. They are believed to have been of Norman origin, cut erhaps in a Saxon wall.

11        The north aisle widens at the Eastern end and this part may have been an early CHANTRY HAPEL. It contains a NICHE in the wall, and MEMORIALS to H R G Craufurd and Sir James Craufurd; also to hose who fell in both world wars.

12        To the right of the archway leading up out of the aisle is a small BRASS of John Danvers (incorrectly inscribed ‘Daveis’, son of a London merchant and relative of the Verney family.

13        An ARCHWAY dating from the first half of the 14th century, leads into the LEEDS or ALDBURY CHAPEL. MONUMENTS on the west and north walls commemorate Sir Thomas Hyde and his grandfather and uncle, Thomas and George Hyde, who are represented by marble skulls surrounded by strapwork.

14        The ALTAR TOMB is misplaced: if space allowed it should be in the Pendley Chapel (see 20). The tomb, together with other relics of Pendley Manor, was first installed in Ashridge in 1546, and subsequently removed to Aldbury in 1575. The fine BRASS shows Sir Ralph with his wife, his nine sons and his three   daughters. ( see left). continue