Aston Botterell church gallery

In the 17th and 18th Centuries, many churches acquired galleries, partly to increase capacity but perhaps more to provide accommodation for musicians who provided the accompaniement to the services. In the 19th Century, most of these galleries were demolished. Sometimes however, this was done in the face of opposition from the parishoners.

The letter reproduced below was drafted in a notebook belonging to Thomas Beddoes of Moor Brook farm; he was almost certainly the author. It is not dated but the other entries in the notebook are from 1844-61. A date in the mid 1840s would be reasonable for the letter. It may have been sent to the Duke of Cleveland who was patron of the living and who would have had responsibilities for the church building.

Letter

Dear Rev Sir,
I write to you to know weather you was inform’d of the takeing down of the gallery at Aston Botterell church. At a meeting of the ratepayers on the 19th August last the Rev W. Hughes said the gallery was to remain as he was, that the archdeacon woud not cosent to that measure, with that understanding the ratepayers wisht to assist a little imporvements in the church. Sir, to the ratepayers surprise it was taken down. Except Mr Hincksman and Mr Francis Lawley, churchwardens knowing any more about it. On the 24th April last there was a meeting of the ratepayers to take into consideration how he was to be resrected.

For the motion: Thos Beddoes, Moor Brook; Nathan Wetherall, Haywood; Mrs Bishop, Norton; Wm Meredith, Chatmore; G. Meredith, Aston; James Burwarton, Bryan Aston; Whatleiss, do.

Against it: Francis Lawley, Mrs Low, Mr Crokett and 3 or four more. They compeld to vote against theyr own conscience and several they stopt us wish to vote for us. Sir, we wish to consult with you before any proceedings be taken. Sir we hope you will take the case into consideration and write to us and we thank you very kindly for what you returned to us at the last tyth audit.