Wootton nr. Northampton / Whutton / Witone / Woddon / Wotton / Wuttone / Wttona

The Victoria County History (Northampton, vol. 4, 1937) notes: "A distinguished incumbent was Walter de Bidun, chancellor of the king of Scotland in the 12th century. He died in 1178 as rector of Wootton and bishopelect of Dunkeld, Scotland. [...] The [present] building is in the main of 13th-century date including the chancel, nave arcades, and aisles [...] The building was repaired in 1844, and in 1865 was extensively restored under the direction of William Butterfield [...] The font is of Devonshire marble and dates from 1874". Noted in Pevsner & Cherry (1973): "Font. Expensive. By G. E. Street, 1874. BB". The modern font is located in the nave, about half-way back from the chancel, near the arcade of the north aisle. The Parish web site [www.stgeorgeschurch.org.uk/our-church/graveyard-at-st-georges/] [accessed 5 June 2012] has: "The Font reflects the colours in the chancel and is made of Devonshire marble. It was presented to the church in 1874 by Rev W, W. Woolcombe B.D. The font was executed by Street, but its line and rhythm carry Butterfields signature as clearly as the Chancel roof. The original font was placed inside the south door towards the tower." [NB: we have no information on the earlier font(s) of this church].