Wing

223. WING

(O.S. 6 in. ^(a)xxiv. N.W. ^(b)xxiv. N.E. ^(c)xxiv. S.W.)

Ecclesiastical

^a(1). Parish Church of All Saints, stands on the W. side of the village; the walls are of limestone rubble, with dressings and detail of stone and clunch. The roofs are covered with lead. The polygonal Chancel with a Crypt or Confessio under it, the Nave and North Aisle were built probably not later than the 10th century; a S. aisle of the same date also existed; arches were inserted at the E. end of the N. and S. walls of the nave in the 13th century; the South Aisle was re-built in the 14th century. The West Tower and the South Porch were built in the first half of the 15th century and a N. porch was added at the same time; later in the same century the clearstorey was constructed. In the 19th century the whole building was restored and repaired, rough-cast and plaster were removed from the walls, and the crypt, which had become partly filled in, was re-opened; the North Porch was also re-built, the old material being re-used.

The building is exceptionally interesting as an almost complete example of a church of considerable size and early date. Among the fittings the Dormer monuments are noteworthy; that dated 1552 (see Plate, p. 43) is of unusually pure Italian design; the other two monuments (see Plates, pp. 43, 46) have interesting effigies of late 16th-century date and of c. 1600.

Architectural Description—The Chancel (maximum length and width about 21 ft. by 21 ft.) has seven sides; the external face of each side is decorated with a semi-circular arch, resting on narrow pilasters set at the angles, with plain imposts at the springing of the arches; the pilasters are continued above the arches and support sharply pointed pediments; the work is carried out in roughly squared stones projecting 3–4 inches from the surface of the walls. All the arches are perfect, but the pediments on the N. side have been almost completely destroyed, and some of the pilasters have been damaged by the insertion of windows; the walls were lowered apparently in the 15th century, and the top of the pediment in the E. face, which, with the arch, is higher than the others, was cut off; the walls are now capped with a small plain cornice, probably of late 15th-century date. The E. window is of late 15th-century date, much restored; it is of three cinque-foiled lights with tracery in a two-centred head; the lights are in two tiers divided by a transom; the rear arch and internal jambs are moulded: in the second face from the E., on the N. and S. sides, is a 15th-century window of three cinque-foiled lights under a four-centred head, above which are remains of the head of an original window: under the three windows are the openings into the crypt (see Crypt): in the third face from the E., on the S. side, is a 13th-century low-side window, now blocked; it is of one lancet light with internal and external rebates; the saddle-bars and stancheon are probably contemporary with the window: under the pediments of the first and third faces from the E., on the S. side, are small original windows with semi-circular heads, both now blocked; and on the N. side are faint traces of a similar window. The original chancel arch is semi-circular, of one square order, with a square fillet a few inches wide outlining the arch, which is covered with whitewash. The chancel is raised above the nave by four steps. The Crypt, under the chancel, consists of a central chamber of an irregularly octagonal plan surrounded by an outer passage which communicates with the chamber by means of three semi-circular arches, one being on the E. side, the others on the N. and S. sides; in the external wall, opposite to each arch, is an arched opening; the heads, originally semi-circular, have been altered to a slightly different shape, and are visible externally above the ground level. Originally the outer passage communicated with the church by steps at the E. end of each aisle. When the crypt was opened in the 19th century traces of a squint into the nave are said to have been found, but are no longer visible. The Nave (61 ft. by 21 ft.) has an embattled parapet. In the E. wall, above the chancel arch, is an original window now blocked; it was discovered when the rough-cast was removed in 1892, and is of two round-headed lights, of one square order, made of Roman tiles; the lights are separated by a turned baluster shaft with a cushion capital. The N. and S. arcades are of four bays; the easternmost bay on each side is of the 13th century, with a two-centred arch of two chamfered orders, much scraped, and a plain label; the responds are also of two chamfered orders, and have narrow imposts, except the inner order of the N.E. respond, which is carried on a moulded corbel; the other three arches on each side are original, semi-circular, and of one square order, with stepped imposts; the springing of the arches is set back from the E. and W. faces of the piers, which are plain and of considerable width. At the E. end of the S. wall, above the arcade, is the 15th-century upper doorway of the former rood-loft, with a four-centred head; it is reached by a staircase in the S. aisle. The clearstorey has, on each side, four late 15th-century windows, each of two cinque-foiled lights with tracery under a square head, except the two windows in the westernmost bay, which have four-centred heads and more elaborate tracery; at about half the height of the jambs of the windows on each side is an off-set in the wall, showing the original height of the nave: above the windows, at the ends of the tie-rods, outside, are the following initials and dates; on the N. side, '1657. S.S. 1669'; on the S. side, '17 P2 1649' and a form of cross. The North Aisle (12 ft. wide) has, in the E. wall, an original doorway with a semi-circular head of roughly squared stones; it opened probably into a staircase leading to the crypt, but is now blocked, and only visible outside; above it, on the N. side, is a window of late 15th-century date, much restored, and of three cinque-foiled lights under a four-centred head with an external label. In the N. wall, at the E. end, is a window similar to that in the E. wall, but blocked inside by a monument; further W. is an early 14th-century window of three cinque-foiled lights with intersecting tracery forming trefoils in a two-centred head; at the W. end of the wall is a window of 1320–30, and of two cinque-foiled lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred head: the N. doorway, between the two western windows, is of the 15th century, with continuously moulded two-centred head and jambs, and an external label with carved angel-stops. In the W. wall is a 15th-century window of two cinque-foiled lights with tracery under a four-centred head. The South Aisle (13½ ft. wide): The E. bay forms a S. chapel, and is cut off by screens. In the N.E. corner is the doorway of the rood-loft staircase. In the E. wall is a window of 1320–30, and of three cinque-foiled lights with tracery of unusual design in a two-centred head; the jambs, tracery and rear arch are moulded; the external label, with mask-stops, has been restored. In the S. wall are three windows of the same date as that in the E. wall, each of two lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred head; all the stonework, including the internal and external labels, is moulded: the S. doorway, between the two western windows, is of 1320–30, and has a pointed head of two moulded orders; the outer order is continuous, the inner order, of many members, dies into a wave-moulding at the springing; the external label is carried along the wall as a string-course; the rear arch is double-chamfered and has a label with moulded stops: between the two eastern windows are the upper and lower doorways of the staircase which led to the loft of the screen between the chapel and aisle; a slight external projection contains part of the staircase. In the W. wall is a window similar to the W. window of the N. aisle. The West Tower (16 ft. square) is entirely of the 15th century; it is of three stages with an embattled parapet and moulded plinth, off set angle buttresses reaching to the top of the second stage, and a S.W. stair-turret. The obtuse two-centred tower arch is of two moulded orders; the jambs have three shafts, with moulded capitals and bases. The W. doorway is of two moulded orders, the inner order two-centred, the outer order square, with tracery in the sunk spandrels; the W. window is of four cinque-foiled lights with tracery in a two-centred head; on each side of it is a small niche (see Fittings). The second stage has, in the W. wall, a window of two cinque-foiled lights and tracery in a two-centred head, with an external label. The bell-chamber has, in each wall, a window similar to that in the second stage, but of three lights; the W. window is partly hidden by the clock-face. The North Porch is modern, but some early 15th-century stones have been re-set in the doorway, which has jambs and two-centred head of two moulded orders enriched with small four-leafed flowers. The South Porch has a plain parapet with grotesque figures of a lion and a goat on the coping. The outer doorway has a two-centred moulded arch of two orders in a square head; in the spandrels are half-figures of angels, holding shields with arms; the E. shield is charged with a lion rampant for Mowbray; the arms on the W. shield are defaced, but are possibly Sackville impaling Rokes; the shafted jambs have been much restored; above the doorway is a small niche (see Fittings). The side walls have each two windows of two trefoiled lights, with a quatrefoil in the head, hollow-moulded jambs and an external label; under each window is a stone bench. The Roof of the nave (see Plate, p. 41) is low-pitched, of mid or late 15th-century date, and of six bays, with king-post trusses. moulded wall-plates, purlins, ridge and tie-beams; the secondary beams, between the trusses, are foliated; at the feet of all the beams are carved figures of saints, kings, etc.; below the king-posts are carved angels with outstretched wings; there are also small wings of angels carved on the wall-plate; at the intersection of some of the timbers are grotesque bosses.

Fittings—Bells: six and sanctus; 1st inscribed 'For the honour of Carnarvan here I singe, wishing health to the neighbours of Winge', by Ellis, Francis and Henry Knight, 1654; 2nd by Ellis Knight, 1640, 3rd and 4th by Ellis Knight, 1638; sanctus undated. Brackets: In nave— on easternmost pier of S. arcade, moulded and ornamented with four-leafed flowers and grotesque head-corbel, 15th-century. In S. aisle— on each side of E. window, carved head-corbel, 15th-century. Brasses and Indents (see Monument (3)): In N. aisle—at E. end, (1) to Margaret Fines, inscription only, on lozenge-shaped plate, mentions the burial places of her son and two daughters in the church, 17th-century, slab older than brass, with indents of two shields and another inscription; further W., (2) of a man and his wife, two figures, man in civilian dress with liripipe hood, woman in horned head-dress, c. 1470, with indents of sons, daughters, and inscription; initials and date 'K.S. 1693' cut at the top of the slab. In S. chapel—on N. side, (3) to John Theede, 1622, inscription only; on S. side, (4) of Harry Blackwall, 1460, and Agnes his wife, 1489, two figures, man in civilian dress, woman in horned head-dress, with inscription in black-letter, one corner broken away, indent of children; the slab has been re-used for incised inscription of 1733. In S. aisle—on S. wall, near W. end, (5) of Thomas Cotes, 'that sometime was porter at Ascott Hall', 1648, figure in cloak, inscription, verse, and representation of the porter's high hat, key and staff incised on quadrangular plate, set up by George Houghton. Indents: In S. aisle—near W. end, of figure, inscription and two shields; the outline of head suggests a circle and cross background. Chests: In N. aisle—iron-bound, with curved lid and three hasps; in tower—iron-bound, with flat cover; both possibly mediæval. Doors: In N. aisle—in N. doorway, with moulded styles, original strap-hinges, ring and scutcheon, large stock lock, 15th-century. In S. aisle—in lower doorway of rood-loft staircase, 15th-century. In tower—in doorway of turret staircase, plain, with strap-hinges, early 15th-century. Font: octagonal bowl, with quatrefoil panels and shields carved with the arms of the Passion, under the bowl cusped fan panelling and carved angels holding scrolls, stem with cinque-foiled panels, base moulded, 15th-century. In S. porch—square scalloped base of font of the 'Aylesbury' type, late 12th-century. Glass: In N. aisle—in second window in N. wall, two shields with arms of Warenne, checky or and azure, one with a label of five points, early 14th-century. In S. aisle—in tracery of E. window, complete, shield with arms hanging by gauge from a tree, with crowned figures, of a woman on one side, and of a man on the other, early 14th-century. Monuments and Floor-slabs. Monuments: In chancel—on N. side, (1) altar tomb (see Plate, p. 43) of Sir William Dormer, Knight of the Bath, Lord of the Manor of Wing, 1575, and his second wife, 'Dorathe', daughter of Anthony Catesbye, the 'foundres' of the monument in 1590, two alabaster figures, man in plate armour, remains of crest at feet, a fox between two wings, woman's figure (see Plate, p. 46) lower down on tomb, in large hood and ruff, fingers broken, crest at feet, a spotted pard, lying down; on base, in front, kneeling figures of one son in armour, three daughters, three infants in cradles, three shields of Dormer and alliances; at each end marble column with Corinthian capital supporting canopy with moulded entablature and cresting with five shields of arms, central shield, arms of Dormer, quarterly, 1 and 4, azure ten billets or and a chief or with a demi-lion sable therein; 2, gules a cheveron argent between three chub fish or with three martlets sable on the cheveron and a chief indented argent with three scallops therein; 3, argent three fleurs de lis azure; mantled helm and crest; shield W. of central shield, arms of the Duke of Feria, in three pieces party palewise, 1, or five leaves vert; 2, argent three bars gules; 3, gules a sword or quartering gules a lion or; all impaling quarterly coat of Dormer; a Spanish coronet surmounting shield; westernmost shield, quarterly coat of Dormer impaling coat of eight quarters for Sidney; 1, or a pheon azure; 2, barry argent and gules, a lion or over all; 3, argent two bars azure with three scallops sable in the chief; 4, gules three cheverons argent with a label or; 5, argent a bend gules with three leaves vert thereon; 6, quarterly or and gules with a carbuncle sable; 7, azure a cheveron between three molets or; 8, argent three lions gules; shield E. of central shield, arms of Hungerford, sable two bars argent with three roundels argent in the chief, with eight other quarters, all impaling quarterly coat of Dormer; easternmost shield, quarterly coat of Dormer impaling Catesby, 1, argent two lions passant sable with crowns or; 2, bendy or and azure with a border gules; 3, or two bars gules over all a bend azure; 4, gules a fret or with a chief argent; soffit of canopy panelled, at back inscriptions in two arched recesses with panelled soffits, lozenge of arms in middle spandrel, monument and heraldry coloured and gilt, enclosed by iron railing; on S. side, (2) of Sir Robert Dormer, Master of the King's Hawks, and Elizabeth his wife, daughter of Viscount Montagu, early 17th-century, alabaster figures, of man in armour, woman in ruff and fardingale, each kneeling at prayer desk, in recess with semi-circular head, flanked by Corinthian columns supporting entablature of marble; on base in front kneeling figures of three sons and three daughters, five shields of Dormer and alliances, inscription undated, all coloured and gilt, iron railings in front of monument. In N. aisle—near E. end of N. wall, (3) to Sir Robert Dormer, 1552, second inscription to Mary, first wife of Sir William Dormer, daughter of Sir William Sidney, 1541; large monument of marble and limestone of pure Italian design; flat canopy richly moulded and carved, entablature supported on four Corinthian columns; sarcophagus decorated with heads of oxen and swags of fruit and foliage, in front, small panel with date 1552; on wall above sarcophagus, two brass tablets with inscriptions and five shields with arms; central shield, quarterly coat of Dormer, mantled helm, and crest, a fox between two wings, over it the motto 'A SERVIER IE VVIELLE'; shield W. of it, quarterly coat of Dormer impaling Newdigate, gules three lion's legs, razed argent; westernmost shield, quarterly coat of Dormer impaling Browne; shield E. of central shield, Dormer impaling Sidney; easternmost shield, Dormer impaling Catesby; remains of colouring on the shields; scratched on wall dates and initials, also scratched drawing of a man hanging on a gibbet, probably representing Dr. Dodd, formerly vicar of the parish, hanged for forgery 1775; over the canopy a funeral helm, the skull being part of a late 15th-century close helmet, with the Dormer crest, a falcon on a glove and a crowned shield under it, of Dormer painted, but almost illegible; on canopy, a pair of gauntlets. In N. aisle—at E. end of N. wall, (4) to Sarah, daughter of Norreys Fynes, 1686, of white marble, with arms in lozenge. In S. chapel—on S. wall, (5) to Bridgett, daughter of John Merideth, alias Moore, widow of John Neale, 1677, of white marble, with columns and pediment. In S. aisle—on N. side of westernmost pier of S. arcade, (6) to Lady Anna Sophia Dormer, youngest daughter of Charles, Earl of Carnarvon, 169⁴/5 bust and weeping cherubs of white marble, arms of Dormer in lozenge. Floor-slabs: In N. aisle—at E. end, (1) to George Redman, 1699; at W. end, (2) to Henry Redman, steward to the Earl of Carnarvon, 1672, with plain shield, much worn and broken. In S. chapel—at E. end, (3) to Bridgett Neale, 1677, with arms in a lozenge. Niche: In S. aisle—on second pier of arcade, with plain pyramidal canopy, possibly for chrysom oils, probably 15th-century. Tower—on each side of W. window, in outer face of wall, with cinque-foiled head under cornice having sunk spandrels, early 15th-century. S. porch—over doorway, outside, small, under defaced canopy with pinnacles, early 15th-century. Piscinae: In chancel—pillar piscina, under recess, with pointed head, early 15th-century. In N. aisle—with hollow-chamfered jambs and trefoiled two-centred head, circular basin, probably 14th-century, much re-cut. In S. chapel—with moulded jambs and two-centred head, chamfered shelf at back; late 15th-century, re-cut. In S. aisle—with trefoiled head of two chamfered orders, late 15th-century. Plate: includes small cup and cover paten of 1569: large silver-gilt cup and cover paten and two plates, all of 1644; silver-gilt flagon, with lions for feet, and a lion for handle on lid, of 1676, hall mark only partly legible, probably originally used for secular purposes; all the 17th-century plate inscribed as the gift of Sir William Stanhope, and bearing the Stanhope arms and motto; standing paten of 1700, the gift of Ann, wife of William Browne, 'minister of the parish', with arms and crest. Pulpit: octagonal, carved, c. 1625. Screens: In chancel—trefoiled heads of close lower panels of rood-screen, and some constructional members, early 16th-century, rood-loft and open panels modern. In S. chapel— screen of four bays with central doorway, moulded constructional members, plain close lower panels, open upper panels with sub-cusped trefoiled heads; three-centred doorway with sub-cusped and cinque-foiled head; between the chapel and nave, parclose screen, of seven bays and doorway, with lower panels not completely filled in, upper panels with trefoiled heads, moulded cornice, middle rail, mullions and sills, four-centred doorway with cinque-foiled head, flanked by small offset buttresses with moulded bases; both screens late 15th or early 16th-century. Seating: In nave— greater part plain, open, 15th-century, much restored and renewed. Sedilia: In chancel—ledge of S.W. window carried down to form sedilia. Stalls: In chancel—on modern return stall, poppy-head finial, carved as two dragons, late 15th-century. Stoup: In S. aisle—E. of S. doorway, recess, with plain flat head, chamfered edges. Miscellanea: In N. aisle—on the Dormer monument, fragment of basin, too small for font, circular, with sunk quatrefoils and four-leafed flowers, 15th-century, found in material of N. front when re-built in 1892; fragments of stone with axe-work, 12th-century, found in window over chancel arch when uncovered in 1892. In nave—loose, small double capital, richly moulded, somewhat defaced, 12th-century, found in N. porch in 1892. Funeral helm and gauntlets, see Monument (3).

Condition—Good, except the stonework of the tower, which is scaling badly; no structural danger is apparent.

Secular

^a(2). Castle Hill (Fortified Mount), 300 yards N. of the church, stands about 400 ft. above O.D. It is a partly natural hillock, about 20 ft. high and 100 ft. in diameter at the base. There are no traces of an encircling ditch.

Condition—Fairly good.

^c(3). Foundations, traces of, and Ramparts, N. of Park Farm and about ½ mile S.E. of the church, marking the site of a former house belonging to the Dormer family.

^a(4). Homestead Moat, a fragment S.W. of South Tinker's Hole, 1⁵/8 miles W. of the church; the W. part of the moat can be traced in an adjoining field.

^a(5). The Vicarage, N. of the church, is of two storeys and an attic, and is entirely covered with rough-cast. The roofs are tiled. The house has traces of early 16th-century work in one room, but has been much altered; the plan is now L-shaped, but may have been originally rectangular.

Interior:—The study, on the S. side of the house, has heavy moulded ceiling-beams on three sides and two intermediate beams crossing one another, all of early 16th-century date; in the rooms on the W. side of the house are lighter and less elaborately moulded beams, probably of later date.

Condition—Good.

Main road, W. side

^c(6). Dormer's Hospital, a range of four almshouses, 300 yards S.E. of the church, is of one storey and an attic, built of stone rubble; the jambs of all the windows and doorways, and the copings of the gables at the ends of the building, are of modern brick; the dormer windows, four in front and four at the back, are cemented. The roofs are tiled. The hospital was founded in 1569, and was probably built at that date; a small room has been added at the back of each house. In the middle of the wall in front is a tablet with the inscription— 'Dormer's Hospital of the foundation of Dame Dorothy Pelham sometime wife to Sir William Dormer Knight lord of the Manor of Wing, 1569'. Interior:—The ceilings have chamfered beams; the joists, formerly exposed, are now plastered and the fireplaces are partly blocked.

Condition—Good, except at the N.W. corner where there is a bad crack in the wall.

The Village contains many buildings with traces of old work. The following buildings (7–13) are all of two storeys and almost all of them are of the 17th century. The walls were originally timber-framed, but have been much restored with 18th-century and modern brick. The roofs are tiled or thatched.

^a(7). Cottage, 50 yards N.E. of (6).

Condition—Fairly good.

^a(8). Cottage, now two tenements, N. of (7), was built probably in the 16th century, but the walls, except at the N. end, have been heightened. The roof is partly covered with slate. In front, below the modern courses of the wall, the timber-framing has curved braces. At the N. end the gabled upper storey is timber-framed; the lower storey has been re-built.

Condition—Fairly good; much altered.

^a(9). Cottages, a range, 70 yards N. of (8).

Condition—Poor.

E. side

^a(10). Cottages, a range of four tenements, opposite to the E. end of the road leading to the church. The walls have a few timbers of early 17th-century date, but have been almost entirely re-built with late 17th-century or early 18th-century brick.

Condition—Good; much altered.

^a(11). The Cock Inn, adjoining (10), on the N. side. Part of one wing is of early 17th-century timber and brick, and a gable is also timber-framed.

Condition—Good; much altered.

^a(12). Cottage, 100 yards N. of (11). Only the W. front retains the early 17th-century timber-framing, with some brick filling set in herringbone pattern.

Condition—Good; much altered.

^a(13). Cottages, a range of four tenements, 200 yards N. of (11). The walls are much covered with rough-cast.

Condition—Fairly good; much altered.

^b(14). Ascott House, ²/3 mile E. of the church, is of two storeys. The walls are partly of brick, and partly timber-framed with filling of plaster and brick. The roofs are tiled. Part of the house was built early in the 17th century and was formerly a small farmhouse, but modern additions have converted it into a large building surrounding a courtyard. The original part is in the middle of the N. wing, and contains on the ground floor a small entrance hall, and three other rooms; all of them, with those on the first floor, have been completely altered. The exterior is entirely modern, except two chimney stacks with square shafts set diagonally, which have been possibly re-built at the top.

Interior:—The entrance hall is paved with squares of black and white marble, possibly of late 17th-century date; they were formerly in another room. The beams of the old ceilings have been encased or veneered; the date 1606 is incised on one beam, near the entrance hall, a space being left in the casing to show it. During a recent alteration a cast-iron fire-back, with an achievement of the Tudor royal arms, was found buried in a fireplace.

Condition—Good, much altered.

^c(15). Farmhouse, at Crafton, about 2 miles S.S.E. of the church, is of two storeys, and timber-framed with brick filling; the roofs are tiled. It was built early in the 17th century, slightly altered towards the end of the same century and enlarged in the 19th century. The plan is of the central chimney type, running E. and W., with the addition of an extra room at the E. end, and a wing projecting towards the N. S. Elevation:—The wall is of closely spaced timber-framing with brick filling, and is on a brick base, partly modern; the upper storey projects, except at the E. end, where it is under-built with late 17th-century brick: there are three large gables, and one smaller gable, all with narrow moulded barge-boards, which have defaced pendants at the apices; the small gable is of late 17th-century brick and has a small oval medallion of moulded brick; the original main doorway below the gable is now blocked; E. of it is a brick with the date 1625 scratched on it, and a sundial over the doorway is dated 1692: the windows have metal casements: at the W. end is a covered archway opening into the yard on the N. The N. Elevation is covered by modern additions. The E. Elevation is chiefly composed of farm buildings, but at the S. end is a chimney stack, the lower part original, with moulded brick off-sets, the upper part probably re-built.

Condition—Fairly good.

Unclassified

^a(16). Mound, probably tumulus or boundary mound, by the roadside, nearly ⁵/8 mile N.E. of the church, is about 6 ft. high and 30 ft. in diameter at the base.

Condition—Partly destroyed.