Lynsted / Lynstead

Glynne (1877) describes this church as "not very interesting" and notes a new font in it. Noted by David Wood (Churchwarden, 1996- ) [http://www.lynsted-society.co.uk/html/history_.html] [accessed 10 February 2010]: "The original medieval font was probably destroyed after the Reformation, or during the Civil War (Lynsted was an area of Royalist sympathisers), and the present font now stands hopefully in its final resting place having been moved twice. This font was moved from its position in the new kitchen to what is now the north west corner of the new community room, and stood about six inches higher on a plinth, which for safety was reduced to its present floor level. The present Victorian font was given by the Tyler family and bears this inscription on the pedestal: 'Presented by / Col. C.H. Tyler / of the Lodge / Lynsted 1845'. The base of the font is octagonal, and is made of 48 separate stones, eight of which are tiles bearing the Fleur de Lis, and these match those found in the floor of the Roper chapel, which was probably laid at or about the same time. Judging by pre-existing damage, the font was a victim of the bomb which fell on the church during the last war. It was interesting to note that the presence of the inscription only came to light during the previous move that took place early in 1997. The suspension gear for the lid has not yet been restored, and was disconnected by a previous incumbent who was mindful that the lid might descend at an inopportune moment with disastrous consequences." [NB: we have no information on the earlier font of this church]