Background
These repairs were not occasioned by an initiative from the parish but by a change in the ownership of the “rectorial property” (i.e. Church Farm) which “fell into the possession of” the Ecclesiastical Commissioners by the expiration of the lease on October 18th 1877. Consequent upon this, the Commissioners wrote to their architect, Ewan Christian, on November 11th 1877, to identify whether there were any works to the chancel that should be financed by the former lessee, William Salter Millard.
Estimate for repairs
Mr. Christian replied on April 3rd 1878 estimating that the “making good of these dilapidations” would cost £15:-
Image courtesy of Lambeth Palace Library; their ref File 27377
The Ecclesiastical Commissioners then wrote to Mr C.W. Millard (one of the two executors of the estate of his father William Salter Millard) at Prince of Wales Road, Norwich on April 16th 1878 asking him to pay this sum. Mr Millard replied on April 30th 1878 pointing out that:-
The chancel was repaired and improved some 14 or 15 years since, by the Commissioners, under Mr Christian’s superintendence I believe, towards which repair and improvement we contributed £150, £88 more than Mr Christian then estimated our liability at, and in consideration of this contribution and of our having done some repairs since, I hope the Commissioners may be induced to withdraw their application.
The letter is signed by C.W. Millard on behalf of W.S. Millard’s Executors.
The Ecclesiastical Commissioners responded on May 11th 1878:-
… under all the circumstances the Commissioners do not propose to press their claim against the late lessers of the Rectorial property in respect of the dilapidations.
Mr C.W. Millard responded on May 15th 1878 thanking the Ecclesiastical Commissioners “for the handsome manner in which they have responded”.
There is a note added by the Commissioners at the foot of this last letter which reads “Instruct Mr Christian to do what may be necessary to Deopham Chancel”.
There is no further information in the Ecclesiastical Commissioners’ file about these “dilapidations” of the chancel.
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| Date | Change |
|---|---|
| 14/2/24 | Navigation |
| 31/1/24 | Published |
Deopham History 