Molland / Mollande

There are three entries for Molland [and variant spelling] in the Domesday survey [https://opendomesday.org/place/SS8028/molland/] [accessed 13 January 2021] but they mention neither priest nor church in it. Described and illustrated in Bond (1908) as a baptismal font of the Norman period/style; Bond uses the fonts at Molland and South Brent as examples of a still-imperfect design in the development towards the fully "tripartite type". The basin is square, of the scalloped-capital type; a short quasi-cylindrical stem sits on a trapezoidal lower base of two volumes. Noted in Pevsner (1952): "Font. Norman, square, scalloped under edge." Clarke (1920) points out that, unlike other (earlier?) fonts of this type in the area, the cones of the scalloped pattern "are no longer placed obliquely, but are horizontal on the under surface of the bowl; they still number three on each side." Clarke (ibid.) states that "the stone appears to be grey limestone, but it is coated with various coats of wash and paint. In other respects the font has not suffered very much at the restorer's hands. On the north-west corner it is supported by an iron clamp." Described in Hutton (1957) simply as a baptismal font of the Transitional period. Noted in Thurlby (2006). The entry for this church in Historic England [Listing NGR: SS8079828389] notes: "Mid-C15 tower, nave and north aisle, north aisle remodelled in the early C16, and probably C17 porch. South-east part of nave south wall probably C12 (see coursed rubble masonry to left of porch). Interior redecorated and refitted in the early C18 and east wall of north aisle rebuilt or refaced in 1772 (datestone). Church repaired in 1902. [...] C12 stone font with square base, stumpy circular stem, lead-lined square bowl with scalloped sides, and C20 wooden cover."