Collection assembled by Dr P. Cattermole, notes by Dr. P Cattermole and T. Woolrich, additions by M. Kerr-Peterson.
1834
The interior of the church in 1834, looking towards the East End. You can see here the two sets of screens seperating the Nave from the Chancel. The ornate jacobean outer screen was moved to the Corporation Chapel, the inner late medieval screen was divided and set up either side of the choir stalls. The large pulpit sounding board was also removed. In 1885 it was kept by a local builder, it’s current location is unknown. This image was published in Powell’s Bridgwater in the Later Days, but the location of the original illustration is currently unknown.
Reordering 1849-1851
Comprehensive rebuilding and restoration undertaken by H. W. Brakspeare
St Mary’s around 1865, photograph by Robert Gillo.
East end with liturgy table c 1860. The old rood screen can be seen either side of the choir stalls, the new pulpit sounding board can also be seen.
Chancel and S side before aisle widening. Note the gas-lamp brackets.
The High Altar c 1860s – note the removal of the inscription above the window arch.
The Aumbrey with wall tiling
High altar with tiled wall and mosaic floor. This communion table is thought to be tudor in date, a replacement for the stone medieval high altar. This picture was later published by ‘The Cambria’ Series Photographs by W.A.Call, the County Studio Monmouth.
View to West end from Chancel. Note the walled-in tower arch and the stove pipe – the tower arch was filled for fear that the tower and spire might collapse. This fear was unfounded though. The chancel still has lias slabs at this time, rather than tiles.
View to East end before the centre aisle was widened c 1870
View to the east from the crossing. The angels running the length of the Nave roof were donated by John Browne. Note that the pulpit sounding board has been removed. Postcard published by Stengel & Co of London, printed in Dresden.
East end, Chancel and High Altar c 1870
1877-1878
Centre aisle widened by shortening the pews. The aisle was tiled. Mosaic floor installed in the sanctuary, and significant changes were made to the rest of the Sanctuary. Hot water heating installed. About this time the walling of the blocked arch of the tower was removed.
View to the east from the crossing, 1880s. Note the new chandelier in the chancel.
Note the gas standard lamps between the pillars
Interior, 1902, before the new lights. Note the statue neiche next to John Browne’s angels. There are four neiches in total, filled with statues of the four apostles, donated by James Cook, the town clerk. This picture is possibly Francis Frith 47869, taken in 1901.
Chancel, E end, Electric light, S Chapel Screen c 1870. The elaborate memorial commemorates Francis Kingsmill.
Chancel, E end, c 1880
Opening Order of Service for when the tower arch was opened. Part of the emphemera collection here.
1900s
Electrification
View to the High Altar c 1900 note the electric light bulbs. Unpublished postcard.
View to the east from the crossing. Note the ornate light standards and the new pulpit sounding board.
Chancel, E end, Electric light, S Chapel Screen
View to the High Altar following the 1870s changes. Published by Valentine.
Looking south, past the pulpit towards the Corporation Pews. Judges Postcard.
Looking west towards the tower arch, which had been opened in 1888. Judges Postcard.
The Altar Table from an unposted and unattributed postcard
St George’s Chapel 1920
The chapel was dedicated on Armistice Day 1920 by the Bishop of Bath and Wells. The reredos was carved by Mr Taylorson of London, and the general carving and fitting of the altar, reredos and panels were done by Messrs Dart and Francis, Ecclesiastical woodworkers of Crediton, Devon.
Reredos First World War Memorial in St George’s Chapel. The figures in the middle show Christ on the cross watched by the Virgin Mary and Saint John. The figure on the left is Saint George with the dragon. The figure on the right is Saint Louis of France with the banner of Saint Denis. Postcard by S.A. Huggins.
Postcard by S.A. Huggins.
Reordering 1937
The East end was simplified by removing the tiling, and the floor of the sanctuary lowered, so making the picture more prominent. The tiling of the walls of the North and South aisles, as well as the transepts were replaced by plastering. The tower and spire were drastically repaired.
High Altar after the 1930s simplification
View towards the chancel and altar. Postcard by Douglas Allen. Unposted.
St Mary’s late 1930s
View looking east towards St George’s Chapel. Judges postcard.
View of the altar without the frontal after the 1930s restoration
