Relhan Collection : 287 Great Shelford church. N view

Relhan, Richard, 1782-1844

Relhan Collection

<p style='text-align: justify;'><p>St Mary’s church was repaired by 1808 after the tower was blown down. Relhan drew this view after the tower was rebuilt with old materials, again with an octagonal crown but this time topped with a small spire and a weather vane. The nave was shortened, giving the church a rather odd proportions in Relhan’s drawing which is not really apparent today. The windows shown by Relhan in the chancel at least must belong to these repairs of the early1800s. But general neglect continued and by 1843 the church desperately needed attention. The vicar who served St Mary’s 1852–85, AT Crisford, was one of the new breed of energetic and conscientious clergy who increased the number and quality of services and promoted Sunday and evening schools as well as helping in the church school. His efforts were rewarded by restoration of the church by RR Rowe, 1862-1868, the work including reroofing the chancel and inserting a new E window. The roofs were extensively repaired c. 1931. Today, the clerestory looks lower and more in proportion. The churchyard is now filled with gravestones whereas in Relhan’s time there were just three.</p><p>Bradley and Pevsner 2014; VCH 1982</p></p>