ALL SAINTS’ OFFORD D’ARCY WITH OFFORD CLUNY

We hope you will find this of interest. We hope it reminds you that you have close at hand not only a great historical building but a place of peace and joy, for surely ‘ALL SAINTS’ is the house of God.

The origin of OFFORD is either the ‘Upper Ford’, or the ‘Ford of Oppa’ (a saxon chief). CLUNY comes from the French monastery of Cluny in Burgundy, which owned the village; while D’ARCY which looks very French, was apparently ‘le Daneys’ or ‘Dacus’. In 1199 the patron of Offord D’Arcy was John the Dane, knight, who witnessed an agreement in 1227 between the men of Offord and the abbot and monastery of Cluny. The latter was patron of the Cluny rectory until the time of Henry VIII who appropriated the monastic properties and livings.

In December 1976, by order of the Crown, the two separate parishes became the united parish of OFFORD D’ARCY WITH OFFORD CLUNY; the ancient and handsome building of St Peter’s (with fine brasses and monuments) being preserved and maintained by Redundant Churches. Occasional services are held during the summer from the feast of St Peter, 29 June. Keys to this church are at The Limes' Offord Cluny.

ALL SAINTS is an example of a Gothic style with Victorian and contemporary restorations. The Jacobean furnishings are excellent, while the church has a charming intimacy, which is unfortunately marred by the Victorian restoration of the chancel.

THE NAVE which was begun in the 13^th century and finished in the 15^th century, boasts a fine angelic roof. The figures represent: (1) a figure with alb and censer; (2) a kind of kilted garment with armour and staff; (3) a seraph with angelic wings and legs; (4) a warrior like figure with cross, sword and shield; (5) one in prayerful attitude. All have hair bound with a cross and diade.

THE ALTAR in the Sanctuary is a good example of the Reformation-Jacobean period. According to tradition, it was once stolen by the people from a local village and rescued by Offord men who found it floating down the Great River Ouse.

THE PULPIT is also 17^th century, and of good workmanship, while the communion rails of similar style were given later by a distinguished Rector, Doctor Newcome Master of St John’s College, Cambridge. The NEWCOME SCHOOL, now used as a private home, was his benefaction to the village. It still belongs to the Dr J Newcome’s school trust.

THE CHANCEL has suffered from refurbishment in 1726 and restoration in 1850. The north window is a memorial to the two young children of the Reverend E B Turner (1850-1880) who was mainly responsible for the cost of the Victorian restoration. Also at this time, the wooden spire was taken down and the south porch added.

THE FOUR BELLS are no longer rung but chimed by the use of ropes attached to clappers. Three of the bells are dated 1630 whilst the fourth was recast during the Victorian restoration, which was very necessary after the neglect of the 18^th century.

THE CHURCH is very honoured to have connections with the 35 - 635 Pathfinder Squadrons Royal Air Force. You will find the south-east corner of the Chapel dedicated to those airmen who gave their lives for others during the Second World War and in the years thereafter. You will observe that this is also the site of a Chapel in the middle ages as there is a ‘piscina’ in the south wall which was used for pouring away the holy water used by the priest after ‘The Mass’.

PLEASE PAY SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE STAINED GLASS WINDOW which is dedicated to the memory of the men of the 35/635 Pathfinder Squadrons Royal Air Force. You may also note as you look up at the roof, that we are privileged to have the Squadron Standard. The men of the Squadron have their reunion on the last Saturday in June each year, and within the Church, the annual reunion service is held. You will note several photographs of Commanding Officers of the Squadron.

THE FONT is late Victorian. A more ancient one may be seen in the Churchyard.

THE ORGAN is a fine ‘Reed Instrument’ dedicated to the Memory of Mr Frank Eayrs and Friends who in the times past worshipped in this Church and made it into a living instrument for Jesus in the Community of the Offords.

THE LARGE BRASS BELL which is hung on the west end screen, used to hang at the first school in the Offords, established in 1773 by the Reverend Doctor John Newcome.

YOU MAY THINK IT RATHER STRANGE TO HAVE A POST BOX IN THE CHURCH. This box was inserted into the wall of the Village Post Office. When the Post Office closed some years ago, the village bought it and it is housed in the Church as part of our history and for ‘safe keeping’.

ON THE NORTH WALL you will find a list of Rectors dating from 1215.

You will also see two great boards setting out the Ten Commandments. They are dated 1788. They used to hang each side of the Altar but with changing attitudes in society, they were removed to a local barn, where they were discovered several years ago. Once more they take a place in Church, forever reminding us of the standards needed for a stable society.

Over the years, members of the community have dedicated themselves to the Service of God by making sure that the Church is well cared for and that it is truly a bright light in the darkness of the world.