Haughton-le-Skerne / Darlington St Andrew's

Hutchinson (1794) notes the cover: "The font has a neat tabernacle cover of wood, with a dove resting on the top." Described by a Rev. J.F. Hodgson to a visit of the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle -upon-Tyne (Proceedings..., vol. 4, no. 7, 1889: 53-54); Hodgson (ibid.) suggests a composite font with a 17th-century marble basin raised on a 12th-13th century base; for the font cover Hodgson (ibid.) suggests a 17th-century date, probably the work of James Clemens, of Durham, together with the seats of the churchwardens. Pevsner (1983) writes: "Font cover. Octagonal, with flat traceried sides divided by tall finials on brackets (cf. e.g. the topmost feature of Sedgefield screen). On top another obelisk carrying a dove. -- The font itself is a modern basin on a thick C17 baluster." The official web site of the St. Andrew's and Whinfield Churches [www.standrewshaughton.org.uk], however, notes: "The font has a Norman shaft of Frosterley marble". Described in Ryder (1997) [http://www.durham.anglican.org/userfiles/file/Durham%20Website/Diocese%20and%20Admin/Care%20of%20Churches/Archaeological%20Assessments/Haughton%20le%20Skerne.pdf] [accessed 13 March 2012]: "The Font has a moulded shaft and base of Frosterley marble (described by Pevsner & Williamson, 1983, 157) as a ‘thick C17 baluster’ but possibly a medieval piece; the sandstone bowl, and the two octagonal steps on which the font stands, are recent. The Font Cover is a 17th-century piece, and octagonal spire with traceried sides, and a finial with a dove." [NB: the church itself goes back to 1125]