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- 5 - The Chancel |
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In the chancel is a fine black oak ensemble comprising benches
(now used by the choir) and return stalls with misericords (used
now by the clergy at daily services). Carved in 1636 by John
Rigby of Wigan, all this work was part of the campaign for the
beautification of churches under Archbishops Laud of Canterbury
and Neile of York. Rigby probably re-used timber from gentry pews
in the nave, removed by order of the bishop at this time. The
vigorous 'poppy-head' bench ends are probably based on those at
Sefton 'viewed' (together with some then at Huyton) by Rigby and
the churchwardens, before work commenced.