Arguments about church seating are nothing new. When the new, young and precocious curate Henry Ellacomb arrived in Bitton in 1817, he appalled the congregation by cutting down the old box pews and making them sit facing east. Never mind that the seating was by all accounts notoriously uncomfortable, Ellacombe had some clear ideas about was proper in church. It was a new age with new ideas but was termed a “most outrageous proceeding” by those affected.
Later in the century, his son, Henry Nicholson Ellacombe installed the beautiful oak and elm pews that are in the church today.
You can see the pews and other artefacts of St Mary’s, at our open day on Saturday 13th September 10.00am to 5pm. We are open as part of Heritage Open Days. The event is free and partnered with Bitton Parish History Group. More information on our website where you can reserve a free ticket to one of the tours. Refreshments available. Parking in adjacent Glebe Field.
Sorry – afternoon tour now fully booked!