Marksbury / Markesbury / Markbury / Mercesberie

Noted in Pevsner (1958): Norman, of block-capital shape." Noted in Thurlby (2006) as a baptismal font of the Norman period in the cushion-capital style [NB: 'Markbury' in Thurlby]. Listed and illustrated in the CRSBI [https://www.crsbi.ac.uk/view-item?i=117007] [accessed 30 June 2025]: " The only Romanesque feature present is a 12thc font [...] Sited opposite the N Door, approx. 2m from the S wall, now rather tightly constricted between two pews. Relatively simple but bold in design, formed from handsome cream-coloured stone (probably the Combe Down oolitic limestone from nearby Bath used in most high-status building in the area). Despite appearing to the contrary, it is not exactly square. It is equipped with a good lead lining, incised diagonally to create decoration making a pleasing counterpoint to the predominant rectangularity.
Sculptural detail is limited to the lower part of the bowl, the geometric design accurately replicated on all four sides. At the bottom of the bowl the corners curve down to tuck into the upper surface of the astragal which tops the stem. Each face is cut at the bottom to form a profile of three semi-circles, the central one larger than its outside companions. The profile is emphasised by a prominent groove. As at the corners, the lower surface of the bowl is curved down to tuck into the astragal. This design results in two large crannies between the semi-circles, which gaps are partly filled by large flaps (lappets) attached to the scallops. The central semi-circle has a dart projecting from its nadir, below which a fillet runs along the ridge of the scallop to tuck into the bowl/astragal join. The font is in good condition apart from many small chips. There are neat replacements to the rim of the bowl and the edges of the bowl (as can be seen on both N and S sides in the images.) The baptismal font consists of a square basin with scalloped lower side, the scallops delineated with an ornamental grove; it is raised on a cylindrical pedestal base decorated with a roll moulding at the centre ring; the lower base is octagonal, and the whole is raised on a small square plinth. The square inner basin well is lead lined, the lining modern. The font has a finish that appears to indicate it has been re-tooled or refinished with power tools.