Copdock

No individual entry for Copdock found in the Domesday survey. Parker (1855) writes: "octagonal bowl, with angels bearing shields in some of the panels; there are animals at the angles of the pedestal; it has a good cover". Dowsing (1885) reports on his 1643-1644 trip to this church: "Did deface a Cross on the Font" [NB: the editor of this edition of the Journal, adds: "The slight mention of damage done to Fonts, which frequently had subjects carved upon them, and some times inscriptions, that must have given great offence, is rather remarkable. We constantly hear 'Dowsing's chisel' blamed, for hacking and defacing what there is certainly no record of his having been instrumental in accomplishing. Considering Dowsing s accuracy, and evident desire above all else, to relate his doings very fully, the guilt of bringing our Suffolk Church Fonts (as is so often the case) into their present forlorn condition, may be attributed to other hands than his. The Font at Copdock, which is Octagonal, having on its panels Angel and rose alternately, is much mutilated." The entry for this church in Historic England [Listing NGR: TM1202641531] notes: "Parish church. C14 and C15, restored 1901, and 1909 [...] Octagonal font with floral and foliate emblems alternating with angels on the panels. Angels with interlocking wings on underside. Stem, possibly replaced, recessed cusped panels between shafts. Octagonal base. Small traceried canopy, mostly of softwood." Cautley (1982) notes the font cover. The web site http://www.onesuffolk.co.uk/CopdockandWashbrook/Church/History+of+Churches.htm [accessed 2 June 2009] illustrates both font and cover; the font it dates to the 15th century (it has been re-cut), the cover to the 19th century; the latter is a tall traceried pyramid of open work; the font itself is octagonal all over, in the general East Anglian style, but newly re-cut at a later date (19th century?). The font-cover is noted in Howard & Crossley (1919). The deeply-set sides of the basin alternate demi-angels holding shields with large floral motifs, and the underbowl has angel heads at the corners; the octagonal stem has trefoiled arches or windows on the sides, and mouldings below; raised on an octagonal plinth. [NB: not certain as to the extent of the re-carving]. The nearby church at Washbrook [cf. Index entry] has a similar basin, but the pedestal base is different.