For additional information relating to St.
Mary the Virgin, Rowner. Click here
for an archaeological evaluation conducted by Hampshire County
Council in the fall of 1996.
Plan of Rowner Church prior to the restoration, 1873. Click here
[ Originally a script written to assist
an historical re-enactment of life in early 17th century
Rowner ]
Good day to thee master. Hast thou
come far? Southampton! 'Tis a goodly distance. Didst thou stay
at Titchfield overnight? Otherwise thou couldst not have arrived
here today - unless thou did fly! Mayhaps 'tis better not to speak
of such things even in jest. How long did it take you from Titchfield
market then? It takes me two hours back from the market - through
Stubbington and then across Chark common. Thou canst check the
time by the sundial on the church wall. Yes, there are two, but
the lower one is getting so worn that another has been cut above
it.
So thou didst see our church. Well,
it must have been one of the church wardens that thou spoke to.
Either John Cotton or John Stares. A young man? That must have
been John Stares, he lives just yonder beyond the trees at Grange.
Whither did he go? The bowman was trying to find him earlier to
claim the price for some vermin he did kill.
Didst thou venture inside? Then the coloured paintings on the walls must have impressed even if the size of the building didst not. I was told by the Rector that one represents the Virgin herself and that the fine green and orange one shows the Assumption of St.Stephen. The other I do not remember the name, but the fine red colour must surely last forever. Yes, our Rector Mr. Searle is very fond of his paintings, what with his Laudian views and all. I daresay that he even longs after having a bell or two such as they have in Titchfield so he can ring it on Crownation day. He dost so love the cold weather when he can show off his cope of sad tawny velvet, although 'tis well past its best now! More than seven years he has been here now and every winter, out comes that old cope. Thou must also have seen our fine octagonal font made of good stone by the south door. And the tomb? Well 'tis that of Sir John Brewen himself. It is plain that thou art not local or thou wouldst have recognised his coat of arms. Why put a name when his arms say it all to those important enough to hold an interest. At least the date is clear enough for those who have their numbers. 1559 it says - and a chapel all to itself!
The pile of stones thou didst come past, well now, some do say it was an old manor house that burnt down, and others say that it was an old nunnery that fell even before King Henry had his way. 'Tis said that there is a passage from the crypt below the nave that leads towards the ruins, but I know nothing of such things. What I do know though is that it has provided a good source of stone for buildings hereabout. I did even see one of the yeomen from Elson putting some on his cart for his new barn. Broadest daylight the rogue! I dare say that God will punish him sooner rather than later.
Hast thou heard the jest about the
dowry and the sheep skins? Well, Jack and John met on the road...
Hush now, here comes Goodwife Nell and I must be about my business.
I wouldst fain not feel her tongue today! Whenst thou does return
this way I will tell you the tale. Until then master, good day
to thee.
Sources:
Victoria County History Vol III. Pub. London. 1900.
'Notes on Rowner' hand written and unpublished by M.Snape. ~1878.
19M58 with Prideaux-Brune's papers. HRO Winchester.
Father Ron Robinson, previous incumbent of Rowner.
Revd. Roy George, incumbent 1995.
The present Churchwarden. 1995.