The Children’s Corner in the north aisle was funded by Captain Pearce who lived at Willoughby House in the years prior to World War II. It is dedicated to the memory of his daughter, Jenifer, who died aged nine, and to Robert and Kevin Wooldridge, small Willoughby boys, who died in a drowning tragedy in the village pond in 1936.
Jenifer’s grave is in the churchyard. If you walk along the side path you can see the gravestone on the left. Behind the gravestone, there is another smaller tombstone with a lamb carved on it which may be a memorial to her.
The font is the oldest item in the church and dates from the early 13th century. It is a cauldron shape and lined with lead. The top rim has been partly cut away and replaced by childish Early English carvings of foliage and two demi-figures with outstretched hands. These figures may be green men. The foliage sprouting from the mouth is said to represent nature’s growth and fertility. The font is still used for christenings today.
The Children’s Corner in the north aisle was funded by Captain Pearce who lived at Willoughby House in the years prior to World War II. It is dedicated to the memory of his daughter, Jenifer, who died aged nine, and to Robert and Kevin Wooldridge, small Willoughby boys, who died in a drowning tragedy in the village pond in 1936.