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This page describes
the Rolls of Honour at the back of St Martin's Church in
Exning.
(for the excellent
"Exning Remembers" website about those recorded on the War Memorial
please click
here)
Two illuminated Rolls of Honour were re-discovered in the Bell Tower of
St Martin’s Church, Exning in 2010.
The Rolls of Honour
list all the men from Exning who fought in World War 1, 1914-18.
The Rolls list the names of 290 men, and
provide information on regiment in which they served, their rank, if
they were married or single, and where they lived in Exning.
The information on the Rolls of
Honour has been transcribed and can be seen sorted in various ways
The Rolls of Honour
are unusual in so much as they list all the men that served, rather than
those who died in the War.
The Rolls were
presented by Mr. George Townsend JP of Westwood House, Church Street,
Exning.
The Rolls are approximately 3’
by 2’6” in size. Both items are painted in thick gouache and watercolour
with gold leaf highlights (stippled so that they reflect the light),
with text in ink with gouache capitals. The style is similar to that of
Medieval manuscript illumination, made popular at the end of the
nineteenth century by William Morris and the Arts and Crafts movement.
It is beautifully done, especially as three years separate the two
documents.
This Roll of Honour was closed on November 14th
1914 since that date others have joined the forces. This was presented
and hung up in Exning Church Xmas 1914 by George Townsend.
This Roll of Honour was closed on July31st
1917 and was presented and hung up in Exning Church Aug 4th
1917 by George Townsend.
The oak frames were
damaged, dirty and badly worn, but essentially sound.
Both Rolls of Honour were covered with mould in their central sections.
This has been removed, although it has left staining. Both paintings
have been vastly improved by surface cleaning, and although stained they
remain beautiful works of art.
The costs of restoration were in the region of £220 each (ex VAT).
The Restorer said how fortunate the Parish is to own such beautiful and
important historical documents, and that a PhD thesis could be based on
the information that they supply, and they will provide vital evidence
for family and local historians alike.
See detailed description and report
by the
conservator
Having been restored, they are now
displayed in St. Martin’s Church behind the font.
If anyone
has any information about these Rolls of Honour, who they were presented
to, and when they were presented? Could they contact Roger Stubbs Tel.
01638=614877.
More information and photos will
be added in due course
We are
currently investigating to add further information about addresses
as part of the
which
will lead to a World War I commemoration event later in the year:
For a
version of the information as currently know, but sorted by 2014
addresses click
here.
We hope to add more detail from 1911 Census
This website is run on
behalf of the PCC of Exning with Landwade. All web pages are Copyright
PCC of Exning with Landwade as are all photographs unless otherwise indicated.
Other information (e.g. maps etc) may be copyright to others as
indicated. No information may be copied or reproduced without prior
permission . If you have any concern that your face may appear in any
photograph, please contact us. Webmaster is John Saville (john-saville@ntlworld.com)
via whom permission to use information may be sought.
