Horspath No. 1 / Horsepath / Horspadan

The Gentleman's Magazine issue for July-Dec. 1841 includes a mention of this font in "a paper read by Mr. Grey, of Magdalene hall, on Horsepath church, near Oxford [...] The nave and aisle are of the transition Norman style, with a font, and a curious stoup, probably of the same period; this is attached to the wall close to the south door, and has at first sight the appearance of a second font, but the small scolloped basin shews the purpose for which it was used." [source: http://books.google.com]. Described and illustrated in the Guide to the Architectural Antiquities of the Neighbourhood of Oxford (1846): "Near the south door is the Font; it is hexagonal, lined with lead, and stands on circular base; it seems to be of the same age as the pillars and arches [i.e., the late 12th century]". Murray (1882) writes: "The font and are curious and of early date." Noted in Kelly's Oxford Directory of 1911: "the font, placed near the western entrance of the nave, is hexagonal and stands on a circular base of two steps". The hexagonal unmounted baptismal font is totally plain, with a round inner well. The Victoria County History (Oxford, vol. 5, 1957) notes: "The nave was probably built in the late 12th century [...] The hexagonal font is probably contemporary with the earliest parts of the church; it was originally circular." Noted in Sherwood & Pevsner (1974): "Hexagonal. C13?" In August 2009 [cf. images] this font appears furnished with a new lead lining and cover, and mounted on a two-step plinth. [cf. Index entry for Horsepath No. 2 for a stoup listed for this same church]