Scope and Content
Originally kept loose in a large open file, these papers have now been sorted by main subject as listed below. The divisions are not water-tight, and anyone interested in particular aspects should look through the entire file rather than rely on the relevant papers all being in the main section. The subjects include:
a) Address lists of officials, professionals, tradesmen, clergy, parishioners (including the Vicar’s old parishes in south London), and family
b) General papers concerning the restoration, including letters (7) from the Bishop 1930-32, correspondence concerning DAC approval and faculty etc., 1930-3, parish magazines for April and Sept.1930, appeal letter (printed) 1930, toast list for commemoration supper (with dates of other events) 12 March 1932, service sheet for dedication on 25 June 1932, and rebuilding accounts to 31 October 1934
c) Letters and papers concerning subscriptions to the Vicar’s family fund towards a new reredos as a gift from the Higham family
d) Letters from well-wishers, contributors, and donors of minor furnishings. Correspondents include Dora Peppercorn, Frances Noyes-Lewis, the Vicar of Chipping Campden (gift of altar), Margaret K.S. Edwards (bible), H.S. Manning, H.R. Spencer, W. Unsworth-Green, and Katie S. Brackenbury
e) List of tenders for church and chancel April 1930, and papers concerning the other main contracts for the restoration (i.e. tower, south porch, church and chancel) including Foster’s invoice, 1931-2
f) Estimates, accounts, and financial papers for the restoration fund, 1930-1936
g) Papers concerning the pipes for the heating system (Bennett) 1931 and the electric lighting (Christy Bros. & Co. Ltd, Chelmsford) 1932
h) Papers concerning the organ (Conacher, Sheffield & Co., Ltd., organ builders, Harborne, Birmingham) 1931-4, including programme (with organ specification) for the opening recital on 14 June 1932
i) Papers concerning the bells, clock and chimes. Includes letters from Sir Edward Elgar, Sydney H. Nicholson and the Chancellor of the Diocese regarding the musical setting for the chimes, and letter from S.G. Wilkinson of Eaton Socon [whose tune was used] agreeing to an alteration to his chimes. Letters from John Taylor & Co. of Loughborough, bellfounders, and John Smith & Sons of Derby, clockmakers, 1931-2. Printed trade catalogue of John Smith & Sons, n.d. [c.1928]
j) Papers concerning insurance settlement for stained glass windows destroyed in the fire and the use of monies to pay for memorials and other work on the fabric instead of replacement windows, 1930-1936. Also includes correspondence concerning the proposed new east window, with letters from William C. Langsford and H. Warren Wilson (stained glass artists)
k) Papers concerning other furnishings and fittings, including candlesticks made from old belfry oak (C.H.Chaplin, Baldock, 1931), cross and candlesticks (G.T. Friend, High Holborn, London, 1932), wood and stone carvings (P.G. Bentham, Chelsea, 1931-2), altar rail and sanctuary furnishings (S.W. Wolsey, London, 1931-2), rood screen, parclose screens, organ front, pulpit, and general correspondence, notes and sketches, 1930-1935
l) Bills and papers concerning frontals, matting, hassocks, curtains, carpets, altar linen and other minor furnishings, 1931-2
m) Papers concerning memorials and brasses, including notes on lost inscriptions etc.
n) Letters from D.G. Denoon (June 1932) and Arthur Mee (Nov.1933)