• 10 PARISH CHURCH OF WEAVERHAM

An earlier entry relating to the rails occurs :—

1634. Payde to joyner for rayle to the Communion Tabic 19s. od.

Payde for die joyners dynner when he put the rayle up 3d.

Spent about die same work 3d.

Looking down the nave it will be seen that the tower arch is distinctly earlier than any other. The explanation is that when the tower was partly rebuilt in 1485, this was left untouched, giving us an indication of the style of the earlier church and providing an interesting link with that structure. The incongruous pier-caps and string course were put in at the restoration in 1877 •—a piece of vandalism typical of the period.

Passing along the north aisle one cannot fail to notice the fine fifteenth century oak ceiling, with its beautifully moulded beams and framing. When repairing it a few years ago, I found ample evidence that it had occupied a similar position elsewhere before being erected here. I know there are some who say this is far from likely, but we cannot go beyond the facts of construction, which plainly show what I assert.⁷ The south aisle had a similar ceiling, but in 1854 it was found to be so decayed with dcatli-watch beetle as to be unsafe ; it was deemed to be too dangerous to remain and it was taken down. The Abbey of Vale Royal, which was destroyed about 1550, is supposed to have been the source of both these ccilings. The fact that Rev. William Holcroft, vicar here 1557, was the brother of Sir Thomas Holcroft, the purchaser of Vale Royal, lends colour to the legend. But whatever the source, the evidences are to me plain that it came here from some other building.

Attention may be directed to the stonework above the pier cap of the pillar by the pulpit. This pillar gives

' This roof is described by Mr. F. II. Crossley in his paper on limber Roofs in Cheshire Churches, Lanes, and Ches. Antiq. Soc. Transactions, lii, 120 ; no mention is made of the former use of the roof, but the general qurstion is discussed by him on pages 94 and 121.—Editor.