The Old Church

(Click to enlarge)
Wentworth Old Church in 1909
Photo supplied courtesy of Jerry Cassidy

Wentworth old church is believed to have medieval origins, with mouldings dating back to the late 13th century. Sadly it is now mostly in ruins, having been largely disused since the opening of the new church in 1877. The chancel and North Chapel remain intact, however, and are still sometimes used for services and concerts.

The remaining building now acts mainly as a home for an interesting collection of monuments to various generations of the Wentworth family - including Thomas Wentworth (1587), William Wentworth (1614), Thomas Wentworth (1641) and William Wentworth (1685) (the family may have had lots of money but they weren't very good at thinking up original boys names!)

The church, which is now maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust, is normally open to visitors on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend; it is also possible to arrange access at other times - please contact us for details. It's well worth a look inside to view the monuments and to visit the Fitwilliam family vault accessed via a tunnel which runs out under the graveyard.

If you can't make it to the church itself, the churchyard is fascinating in its own right. It has stones dating back to the seventeenth century, many with interesting stories attached.

One of the most unusual is that of Chow Kwang Tseay (baptised John Dennis Blonde), a native Chinaman who died in Wentwoth in 1850, aged 17. Quite what he was doing in Wentworth and who paid for his expensive burial is unclear. He is believed to have arrived from China on a ship (the Blonde) in about 1847

You will also find the graves of John Hague and Sam Birks, followers of John Wesley who preached in the church in 1733. Sam's son (also called Sam) is buried here too, he had used his plough horses to break up a mob in nearby Thorpe Hesley when they tried to ambush his father and the visiting Charles Wesley.

William Cooper who died in 1781 had the foresight to leave instructions on the back of his stone in case it was ever knocked over, which did in fact happen. The inscription reads "For goodness sake fix this Stone up again". (Click on picture to enlarge).

More About the Old Churchi

Local historian Graham Hobson has written a more comprehensive article on the Old Church including a number of new photographs which you can View Here

Old Church Curiosities

Various artefacts from the Old Church are now to be found outside Wenwtworth, pictures of which we feature below...

An interesting aspect of the old church was it's one-fingered clock which was believed to have been situated on the tower overlooking the fields to the West rather than the village itself.

The clock itself no longer exists, but we are indebted to Mrs. Jackie Ward (nee Garton) who now owns the original finger from the clock which is shown in the above photo; it is apparently 31 inches long and so must have been visible from quite a distance away.

Mrs. Ward has also provided us with this picture of the font which was formely in the Old Church and now appears to be used as a garden feature.

Can You Help?

One of our readers has asked if anyone can provide any information about the grave of John Loy of Skiers Hall in the Old Church graveyard. If anyone has any details about the life or Mr. Loy, or indeed about any aspect of Wentworth history, please contact us. All contributions acknowledged. Many thanks!

Churches Conservation Trust Events at the Old Church

Events planned for 2008 include

• 12 July National Archaeology Week 'Make your own monument' 11am-4pm use our facsimile brasses to create your own monument whilst surrounded by the awesome reminders of past life in Wentworth.
• 31st July , 1st,4th,5th August , chuirch will be open each day whilst volunteers involved in the 2009 'Cathedral Camp' continuie their work conserving this lovely building. Open each day 10am - 4pm
• Open Saturday 13th Septermber and Sunday 14th September for guided tours 2-4pm
• Concert by renowned harpsichordist Alan Cuckston (soundtrack of the film Amadeous) on Sunday 14th September 1-2pm tickets available on the door price £3 - concessions £1 (or donation)
• October 11th and 12th 'Big Draw' at Wentworth- join local artist Graham Duckenfield and frioends as they explore Old Holy Trinity in a medium of their choice - if you've ever fancied trying watercolour of charcoal drawing now is your chance ! Remember,this is not an art 'lesson' and no one will be judging you - come along and have a go! Activity has been made possible by financial support from Rotherham MBC through their Funding the Arts in Rotherham (FAIR) Awards scheme.

Advance warning for 2009

• 'Pike and Drum' 13th and 14th June - join the Sealed Knot as they re-create the life of the 17th Century - the world of Thomas Strafford, Earl of Strafford
• 20th June - 'Baroque for Barnardo's' - following on from their successful concert this year , this group of musicians have agreed to appear again next year ( you may be interested in the results of this years collaboratiuon-a substantial contribution to the 'Building Futures Appeal' run by the Chuirches Conservation Trust to preserve Old Holy Trinity and the funds to support a Barnardo's worker for a period working in Rotherham with young people acting as carers for Drug dependant parents) More details of events for 2009 in the autumn