This beautifully decorated clay pipe was found in the roof of All Saints in May 1955 by the late Arthur Sutton (left), who was working on the eradication of dry rot. (Plus ca change...!) Assuming it to be lost property, he took it home. Today his daughter-in-law June returned it, and gave us the photo on the left.
I believe the pipe was actually left in the roof cornice intentionally as a 'concealed object'. Objects of various types - frequently shoes or garments, but also dead cats or household items - were traditionally hidden around houses and other buildings to protect them from evil spirits. We do not have to accept the superstition to find the practice nevertheless intriguing.
On a scrap of paper, Mr Sutton had written 'The bicycle on the pipe bowl is a Velocipede 1865.' I am not sure whereabouts it was found, but the date would suggest one of the transepts.
I am taking advice as to what should best be done with the object. It could be placed back in the roof, although we don't know its precise historic location; it could be loaned to the museum for display; or it could be kept here in church, ideally to be displayed if a secure cabinet could be procured. In any event, it provides a fascinating glimpse into past traditions.
I believe the pipe was actually left in the roof cornice intentionally as a 'concealed object'. Objects of various types - frequently shoes or garments, but also dead cats or household items - were traditionally hidden around houses and other buildings to protect them from evil spirits. We do not have to accept the superstition to find the practice nevertheless intriguing.
On a scrap of paper, Mr Sutton had written 'The bicycle on the pipe bowl is a Velocipede 1865.' I am not sure whereabouts it was found, but the date would suggest one of the transepts.
I am taking advice as to what should best be done with the object. It could be placed back in the roof, although we don't know its precise historic location; it could be loaned to the museum for display; or it could be kept here in church, ideally to be displayed if a secure cabinet could be procured. In any event, it provides a fascinating glimpse into past traditions.
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