Orston

Described and illustrated Cox & Harvey (1907) as a Restoration baptismal font dated 1662, "the most striking Restoration font in England [...], a fine piece of carving, partly after a mediaeval model, but at the same time showing considerable originality. The arrangement of the three tulips -probably emblematic of the Trinity- is, we should think, unique." C&H's drawing shows three sides of the octagonal basin [L-->R]: 1)a large floral motif in a round arch; 2)three tulips in a vase issuing out of a Tudor rose, all in under round arch; 3)human figure, bust only, in a round arch. The basin has a lid with a trefoil handle. Described and illustrated in Cox (1912): "The font highly interesting for Restoration date; octagonal, one face is inscribed "Given by Mrs. Constantia Kerchevall, Feb. 7, 1662." Of other faces, one is blank, for it was formerly against wall ; 3rd bears cherubs heads; 4th has elaborate rose-like flower; 5th plain conventional rose; and 6th, probably intended as emblem of Trinity, Tudor rose, with three tulips rising out of the centre." Described in Gill (1920): "he font at Orston was originally placed against the western pier of the south aisle, and that is the reason why one of the panels is blank. The carving on the front panel bears an unique arrangement of three tulips in a vase issuing from the centre of a Tudor rose—probably meant to be emblematical of the Trinity. Another panel contains an inscription and date: 'GIVEn / By Mrs. / ConsTAnTiA / Kerchevall / Feb. 7. / 1662.'" Guilford (1927) describes it as "the best Restoration font in the county". Described in Pevsner & Williamson (1979), who give a reference to the font at Southwell as cognate.