Birdbrook

In its short description of Birdbrook, Coller (1861) reports: "The little church, which was thoroughly restored at the close of the last century, has a handsome font." [NB: this font must have been introduced in the renovation to replace the former font]. Noted in Pevsner (1976): "Font. Thin octagonal piece with neatly decorated stem and bowl -- a Gothic imitation dating from 1793. In the E panel a circular medallion 4 in. across with a miniature painting of the Baptism of Christ said to be by Samuel Cooper." [NB: Samuel Cooper (1609-1672), English miniature painter]. The St. Augustine Parish web site [www.members.aol.com/mike35clay/page4.html] informs that this font "was a gift of Thomas Walford in 1763 to replace the old larger font". [NB: Pevsner (1976) and Bettley & Pevsner (2007) note Early Norman traces in the nave and the chancel -- we have no information on the earlier font(s) of this church]. [NB: the RCHM (1916-1923) notes: "Stoup: In S. porch--E. of S. doorway, small recess." Undated; not listed in this Index]