ASTON JUXTA CHURCH Revisited 12th July 2009

This is an updated section combining images of my first visit to the church (31st March 2009) with a subsequent visit on the church open day on the 12th July.

Welcome to Aston Parish Church; Ss Peter and Paul Church, Aston; Aston Juxta Birmingham Church (Aston near Birmingham). A splendid array of names and a history to match.

A church on this site was recorded in the Doomsday Book, but another building and much restoration and additions have taken place since. Others have recorded the history of the church and a detailed account can be viewed at BRITISH HISTORY ONLINE item 11.

There are monuments centuries old in the church, some with Latin inscriptions, and some so faded as to be illegible. Many monuments are hidden or inaccessible at this time, but more information and photographs may be added if I get the time to do so.

I was told by one of the ministers that the church is usually open when Aston Villa FC have a home match, although it was not made clear whether this was to pray for divine intervention before the match or possibly to seek solace afterwards.

The church website is at http://www.astonnechellscofe.org.uk/history_aston/

Notes on coloured text:-

I have traditionally used blue text for transcriptions I have made myself but of which I am uncertain. The new red text, for this church only, applies to the history, transcriptions and translations as made by William Eliot MA, vicar of the church 1875-1891. His historical observations are sometimes at odds with other sources.

The information, transcriptions and translations cannot be guaranteed to be correct.

(Photo 31Mar2009)

This photograph shows the tower and spire at the west end of the church.

(31Mar2009)

A view from the south-east. The clock on the tower was apparently Britain's first mechanical clock.

(31Mar2009)

This "tour" starts at the floor of the tower, dated 1480. To the left of the west door is a brass of Thomas Holte, the grandfather of the Thomas Holte who built Aston Hall. It depicts him and his wife Margaret.

There are several Holte memorials in the church and the name also lives on as the "Holte End" at Villa Park football ground.

This particular memorial was formerly on the floor besides the monument to William Holte and wife Joan(na) situated in the north aisle (see later).

The inscription on the brass reads:

Thomas holte here lieth in grave

Thu for thyn paffion on him

Thou have compaffion and his foolle do fave

Around the edge:

Of yr charitie pray for the foolle of Thomas holte Efquire, late Juftice of North Wales & lord of this town of Aston And Margaret his Wife which Thomas ????* the 23rd daye of March, Anno Dmi 1545, whose foullf God pardon.

*deceased ?

(31Mar2009)

On the south wall of the tower is this stone.

(I'm still working on it... there is this rubbing somewhere....)

(12Jul2009)

In the centre of the tower floor is a Victorian font, presented in 1883.

(12Jul2009)

On the north wall of the tower is a memorial to those who perished in World War 1.

(Click to enlarge)

(31Mar2009)

Another view of the memorial, showing names on the right hand side a bit clearer. Further entries have been added on the final column.

(12Jul2009)

To the left of the main panel is an additional panel.

(31Mar2009)

Inset and to the right of the war memorials is a monument dedicated to Josiah Foster MA, vicar from 1716 to 1727.

Near To This Place

Lyeth The Body of The Reverend IOSIAH FOSTER.A.M.

Late VICAR of This Parifh.

He was a Diligent Paftor of His Flock.

A Faithfull Minifter of The CHURCH of ENGLAND,

And an Exact Obferver of HER Ordinances.

He was a Man

Of Great Integrity, Strict Temperance,

And Primitive Piety.

He was Hofpitable Without Extravagance,

Charitable Without Vanity,

Humble Without Mean Compliances,

And Good Without Affectation.

His Admonitions were Grave and Powerfull:

The Repentant Found Comfort from Them

And The Obftinate Sinner Confufion of Face.

In a Word

He Liv'd The Life Of The Righteous,

And His Laft End Was Like His

He Married SUSANNA IANNES Daughter of the ~

Reverend Mt THOMAS IANNES late VICAR of SEDGELEY

in STAFFORDSHIRE Whom He Left a Widow.

She

In Teftimony of His Love and Affection to Her

Caus`d This Monument to be Erected

He Died October The 28th 1727. In The Sixtieth Year of His Age

Also of interest in this photograph is the sculpted head of William Eliot, vicar from 1875-1891, on the arch corner to the right of the monument.

(12Jul2009)

A view of the nave.

(12Jul2009)

The arches of the northern aisle.

(12Jul2009)

The arches of the southern aisle.

(12Jul2009)

The meeting room is a partitioned-off section of the northern aisle and nave. It includes a canteen and informal sitting area. Being part of the actual church there are monuments in there, behind the canteen counter on the west wall and along the northern wall.

Above is a marble memorial to the Brooke family to the left of the west wall window:

Sacred

To the memory of

THO. BROOKE, Gent

Who died February 24, 1780,

Aged 29 Years.

Also of JOHN BROOKE The

Coroner of the County of Warwick

who died June the 6th 1802.

Aged 45 Years.

Likewife of Sophia Jane Allica Kelly

Daughter of Lieut Kelly 23rd Lt Dragoons

who died July 3rd 1810: Aged 2 Years

and 9 Months.

(12Jul2009)

Below the monument to the Brooke family is this one to Henrietta Small:

IN MEMORY OF

HENRIETTA,

THE BELOVED WIFE OF THOMAS SMALL. ESQ.

OF WESTBOURNE ROAD, EDGBASTON.

WHO DIED JANUARY XIII. MDCCCXLV,

AGED XLVIII YEARS.

THE ENDURING MARBLE BEARS HER NAME;

HER WORTH ALL WEALTH ABOVE,

IS WRITTEN ON SURVIVING HEARTS

IN CHARACTERS OF LOVE.

"I SAY UNTO ALL WATCH." MARK XIII. V. XXXVII.

(12Jul2009)

In front of the west window is a bust of John Rogers MA, which is dated as 1883.

On the right side of the window is the following:

SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF

GEORGE YATES

OF BORDESLEY

IN THIS PARISH,

DIED JUNE XII MDCCCXXVIII,

AGED XLVI YEARS.

BELOVED AND REGRETTED.

(12Jul2009)

Working along the north wall we first come to the Goddington memorial:

As a grateful tribute

of filial piety

this Monumant is erected to the Memory

of JAMES GODDINGTON, Esquire,

and of ANN his wife,

third Daughter of Joseph Ashton, Esqr.

the latter of whom

died on the 16th March, 1793,

Aged twenty eight Years;

the former

on the 7th September, 1821,

Aged 72 Years.

(12Jul2009)

Next, a memorial to Wiliam Hodgson MA. Vicar 1917-1919.

(12Jul2009)

This memorial is for Henry Charles,. a servant to the Holte household for 33 years and it must be assumed that he was highly esteemed to have such a monument placed in the church amongst his masters:

Near

To this Place

Lyeth ye Body of

HENRY CHARLES

servant for the space of

33 Years to

ROBERT HOLTE & SR CHARLES HOLTE

of ASTON Baronets.

He DIED

on the 30th day of January in the

Year 1700

And in ye 54th of his Age

In Memory

of whofe True & Faithfull Service

His Mafter SR CHARLES HOLTE

Caufed this Monument

to be

Erected

(12Jul2009)

A marble dedicated to George Peake MA, a past vicar of the church:

In Affectionate Remembrance of

GEORGE PEAKE

For 24 Years Vicar of this Parish

DIED AT WEYMOUTH

9th July 1876-1878.

(12Jul2009)

This is for Sir Charles Holte:

Sacred

To the Memory of

Sir CHARLES HOLTE. Bart.

Who, after a Decline of three Years,

Which he bore with the greateft Patience and Refignation,

Departed this Life the 12th of March.1782.

Aged 60 Years.

Sir Charles was the fecond Son of Sir Cleobury Holte, Bart.

He married, in 1755, Ann the Daughter of Pudfey Jeffon Efqre and left only

one Child, Mary-Elizabeth. the Heirefs of this Family; married. in 1775. to

Abraham Bracebridge. of Atherftone, Efqre ------- By the Will of her Uncle.

Sir Lifter Holte. Bart. the large Eftates in this County. and other valuable

Poffeffions. were alienated: and his Niece, then an Infant, deprived of the

Patrimony of her Anceftors. .

This Monument marks the hallowed Spot. where the Remains of a beloved

and revered Friend were depofited: but it cannot reprefent the unutterable Grief

occafioned by his Death, or convey an adequate Idea of her gratitude, who, for

twenty feven Years, experienced all the Happinefs

that the moft indulgent and affectionate

Hufband could beftow.

(12Jul2009)

This splendid mural monument, made of marble and alabaster, is dedicated to Edward Holte and his wife Dorothy (nee Ferrers) and shows them kneeling in front of each other. Edward was the son of Thomas (of the tower brass) and father of Thomas who built Aston Hall.

The inscription below the mural was hidden by furniture when I visited and so I quote from William Eliot:

Here lieth bured Edward Holte, Esquire, and Dorothye, his wife; which

Edwarde was Lorde of this Towne and Patron of this Church or

Vicarage. He was also Lorde of Duddeston and Nechels, and of divers

other landes within this Parishe, who died

about Candellmas, beinge

about the age of one and fiftie years in the

XXXV. year of the raigne

of Queen Elisabethe, and in the year of our

Saviour Christ 1592.

(12Jul2009)

This raised tomb is for William Holte, who died in 1514 and to his wife Joan(na) Knight. The Thomas Holte brass in the tower was originally on the floor next to this tomb, but was moved to protect it from damage.

(12Jul2009)

On the wall above the William Holte tomb is this monument by Richard Culliford:

Vir,

Quem nec Divitiac nec Honores

Neq. ulla Fortunae dona

Illuftrarunt

Sed Mens rite exculta

Prifca morum Sanctitas

& Fides metuens Mutari,

Fecere in Secefsu Nobilem.

Rerum Civilium Procellis

Homo non levis,

Huc & illuc Jactari noluit;

Sed ftudjis,Amicus & Deo Semper vacans,

in Otio Literato & Pio

Bene delituit

Motus Caeleftes & Aftrorum vias

& Quicquid Mathefis recludit,

aut Phyfica habet Secretius,

Ufqe inveftigans.

Per devias Naturae femitas

Diligenter explorabat Deum.

Neminem laedere afsentari Nemini,

Amicos & pati & in loco Monere,

Quicquid novit facile impertire,

Sale Attico attemperare Sapientam,

& Verecundam Laetitiam ciere:

Hae erant Artes,

Quibus Vitae Severitatem Lenire

& Hominibus frui didicerat.

Hocce Monumentum

RICHARDUS CULLIFORDIUS Levir,

Betticoe Navis Proefectus,

Extruendum Curavit.

The translation is mainly from Eliot:

A man whom neither wealth nor honours nor any gifts of fortune adorned, but one whom a mind properly cultivated, an old-fashioned holiness of manner, a faith which feared change, made noble in obscurity. In the storms of State he was not easily moved, and refused to be tossed about from one side to another. But always finding time for congenial studies and for God he sought a happy retirement in literary and pious ease. The movements of celestial bodies and the spheres of stars, and whatever mathematical science discloses or whatever secrets physical science possesses he constantly investigated. Through the obscure paths of nature he diligently sought for God. To hurt no one, to subscribe to no one, to bear with friends and at proper times to admonish them, to impart with ease whatever he knew, to temper his wisdom with attic wit, and to excite modest joy--- those were the arts by which he had learned to sooth the severity of life and to enjoy men.

The translation is incomplete at the moment.

(12Jul2009)

This window is dedicated to Henry Sutton MA., the plaque below the window is in the next photograph.

(12Jul2009)

The plaque dedicating the window above to Henry Sutton. (Click to enlarge).

(12Jul2009)

An impressive memorial to Charles Holte (1648-1722). The main panel reads:

H. S. E.

CAROLUS HOLTE

de ASTON in Agro WARWICENCI, Baronettus,

Qui Natus XXII die Martii Anno MDCXLVIII.

Denatus XV Junii MDCCXXII.

Primarum Nuptiarum Filius Patrem habuit ROBERTUM HOLTE

Baronettum Matrem JANAM BRERETON Neptem GULIELMI DNI

BRERETON BARONIS de LAUGHLIN in REGNO HIBERNAE.

Cujus Praenobili Familia teneram fere exegit AEtatem Ubi Amoris

et in Deum et in Patriam ifs imbutus eft Principifs Quibus

futurum erat, ut fequentis Vitae Decurfu fplendide

uteretur ab iffdem nunquam defcifceret.

Univerfitate OXON per complures Annos Studiis vacavit Ubi

Magiftratus in Artibus in medicina Doctoratus fufcepit Gradus Huic

Facultati ideo potiffimum incubuit quod poft aeternae Salutis Curam

Hominibus utiliffimum fore duxit confectos Cruciatu AEgrotantes

fublevare per Peritiam in Re Medicinali Medicamenta etiam Egenis

fuppeditando plurimos ad fanitatem reduxit Qui Morbis occubuerant

nifi eorum Inopiae pariter as adverfae Valetudini pie fubveniffet.

Multa quoq, quae in Medicis ac Phyficis accuratiffime

notavit Penum locupletaffent publicum, nifi

Modeftia nimis injuriofa ea omnia

Igni devoviffet.

Perantiqua e Stirpe ortus Quum Familiae fuae Dignitate praeeffet,

Reipublicae Munia, iftiuf modi Viris deferri folita ita obivit ut in

ijs fungendis erga ECCLESIAM ANGLICANAM Pietas Spectatiffima

erga REGEM Fides intemerata, PUBLICAE fimul LIBERTATIS Studium

acerrimum; JURISQ. exquifita et caftiffima

Adminiftratio femper effulferint.

Hofpitio ufus eft perquam Liberali ea tamen Prudentia Rem

Familiarem geffit ut avitas Possessiones Flagrante Rebelione,raptas

et vaftatas, ingentibus infuper, quo Regias Partes defenderent Majorum

Impenfis haud parum immunitas Haeredi reliquerit non modo in

Integrum reftitutas, fed et multo auctiores.

Blandiffimus erat atq. Indulgens Conjux Pater Providus et

Amantiffimus, Lucidum Pietatis et Charitatis Exemplar,

Dignus deniq. Qui inter Optimos Viros

Jure merito, nec uno nomine

annumereter

This translates as:

Here was buried Charles Holte, of Aston, in the County of Warwick, Baronet, who was born on 22nd March, 1648, and died 15th June, 1722. He was the son of Robert Holte, Baronet, by his first wife, Jane, grand-daughter of William Lord Brereton, Baron of Laughlin, in the Kingdom of Ireland, in whose noble family he passed nearly all his tender years, where he was imbued with those principles of love, both of God and of his country, which he used in the splendid course of his future life and never departed from them. He followed his studies for several years at the University of Oxford, where he took the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Medicine. He gave his attention chiefly to the latter faculty because, next to the care for their eternal salvation, he considered it most useful to men to alleviate the sufferings of those who were in pain by skill and medicine. By supplying medicine also to the poor he restored many to health who would have succumbed to their diseases had he not piously aided both their poverty and sickness. Many accurate notes which he made on medicine and physics would have enriched the public had not a too destructive modesty committed all of them to the fire. Descended from a very ancient family and surpassing the dignity of all his ancestors, he so fulfilled the duties of the State, which are usually given to men of his rank, that in the discharge of them his marked attachment to the Church of England, his untarnished loyalty towards the King, coupled with the keenest care for the liberty of the people, and an impartial and pure administration of justice was always conspicuous in him. He displayed most liberal hospitality, yet he managed his private affairs with such prudence that he left to his heir the possessions of his ancestors, which, in the flames of the rebellion had been seized and injured, and besides had to no small extent been reduced by the great expenses with which he supported the King's side, not only in their entirety, but even much increased. He was a very kind and indulgent husband, a prudent and very affectionate father, a bright example of piety and charity ; in short, worthy to be reckoned not only by his name but by just right among the very best of men.

The lower panel reads:

M. S.

Monumentum hoc pofuit

Vidua ejus ANNA filia primogenita et Cohaeres

JOANNIS CLOBERY

Wintoniensis in Comitatu HANTONIA Equitis, ex qua

Filius Natu Maximus

CLOBERY HOLTE

Baronettus Titulum atque

Rem paternam

Poffidet

This translates as:

This monument was erected by his widow, Anna, eldest daughter and co-heiress of John Clobery, Esquire, of Winchester, in the County of Hants., by whom he had four sons and eight daughters. The eldest son of these, Clobery Holte, Baronet, possesses the title and family estate.

(12Jul2009)

Another window dedication, this time a brass for William Phillips, and for William Henry Phillips.

+ THIS WINDOW IS PLACED TO THE GLORY OF GOD + AND

IN PIOUS MEMORY OF WILLIAM PHILLIPS, WHO DEPARTED

THIS LIFE OCTOBER 4. 1860 + ALSO OF WILLIAM HENRY

HIS ONLY CHILD WHO DIED JAN 24 1845 + BY THE SORROWING

WIDOW AND MOTHER + ANN MARY PHILLIPS + A.D 1864.

(12Jul2009)

A memorial for Thomas Holte:

H.S.E.

THOMAS HOLTE Eques et Baronettus

Quibus Titulis a Jacobo Imo

Ob Patriae Amorem Vitae Integritatem

Morum Candorem erga Principem Fidem

Erga Pauperes Liberalitatem, erga Omnes Juftitiam

Infignitus eft

Flagrante Bello Civili

E Refua Familiari, bis confifcata et decima parte femel profcripta

Quicquid Reliquit Fanatica Rabies

CAROLI Imo (cui EDVARDUS filius a Cubiculis fuit)

Incarceratus licet, in Subfidium contulit

Tandem vero Aedes ASTONIANAS nobili magnificentia extruxit

Nec tamen Egenis defuit

Quibis Hofpitium pari Munificentia Vicinum condidit

Eximia ingentis Animi Monumenta

Cujus Memoriae alterum hoc Monumentum

non fupervacaneum cenfuit

CAROLUS HOLTE Baronettus Pronepos.

Duas habuit Uxores, GRATIAM, GUL: BRADBOURNE

de Hogh in Agro Derbienfi Arm. Filiam,et Cohaeredem

ex qua Quindenam fufcepit Sobolem

Sed nullam fuperftitem praeter GRATIAM RICH: SHUKBURGH

de SHUKBURGH in Agro Warwickenfi Militis Uxorem

ANNAM, EDV. LITTLETON de Pillington

in Agro Staffordienfi, Baronetti filiam

quam fine prole reliquit Viduam

Obijt Anno {Aetatis fuae LXXXIII

. _____{Sal Hum MDCLIV

Which translates as:

Here lies buried Thomas Holte, Knight and Baronet, with which titles he was endowed by James I. on account of his love to his country, the integrity of his life, the purity of his morals, fidelity to his Prince, liberality to the poor, justice to all. While the Civil War was raging, although in prison, he sent to Charles I., to whom his son Edward was Groom of the Bed-Chamber, all of his estates which fanatical rage had left him, his property being twice confiscated and once taxed to the amount of one-tenth. But at length he built Aston Hall with a noble magnificence, and yet he was not wanting to the poor, for whom he built the neighbouring almshouse with a similar munificence, striking monuments of his great mind. To whose memory Charles Holte, Baronet, his great grandson, did not think this monument superfluous. He had two wives, Grace, the daughter and co-heiress of William Bradbourne, Esquire, of Hough, in the County of Derby, by whom he begat fifteen children, but none of them survived except Grace, the wife of Sir Richard Shukburgh, Knight, of Shukburgh in Warwickshire, Anna, the daughter of Edward Littleton, Bart., of Pillerton*, in the County of Stafford, whom he left a widow without issue. He died in the 83rd year of his age in the year of man's salvation 1654.

*Probably Pillaton Hall.

(12Jul2009)

Thomas Holte - detail

(12Jul2009)

A memorial to John Briscoe, his widow Eliza Cecily and of William Henry Briscoe (son?).

(Click to enlarge)

(12Jul2009)

A memorial to Diana Holte, and below to Sir Lister Holte. The Diana inscription reads:

In The Vault Underneath is

Depofited

The Body of DIANA HOLTE

Daughter of SR CHARLES HOLTE Bart & Dame ANN his Wife

She was Born on the 8th day of Augft

In ye Year of Our Salvation 1696.

And haveing fought ye Good Fight,

Kept ye Faith & Finifht Her Courfe

Obtained Eternal life whereunto She was called

On ye 9th day of September 1724.

In Memory of

Whofe Exemplary Virtue,

And Moft Dutifull, & Affectionate Behavior to Her Parents

Her Afflicted Mother

Caufed this Marble to be Erected.

The lower inscription reads:

To the Memory of

SIR LISTER HOLTE Baronet

He married

1ft Lady Anne Legge youngeft Daughter of William Earl of Dartmouth

2ly Mary youngeft Daughter of Sir John Harpur Bart of Calke in the County of Derby

laftly SARAH youngeft Daughter of Samuel Newton Efq of Kings Bromley in the County of Stafford

She died 1st April MDCCXCIV Aged 70

SIR LISTER died without Ifsue 8th April MDCCLXX Aged 50.

His real Eftates after the death of

Charles his furviving brother

He entailed fuccefsively on Heneage Legge Efq and Lewis Bagot Bifhop of St Afaph

Nephews of his firft Wife

and Wriothefley Digby Efq of Meriden in this County

on failure of whofe refpective Ifsue He gave the fame to his own right Heirs for ever.

This Monument was erected

MDCCXCIV

as a Memorial of his Virtues

and in compliance with the wifhes of his Widow

by her affectionate fifter

Elizabeth Newton

(12Jul2009)