Using the plans and drawings in the ICBS archive

Reseating

In the nineteenth century many churches rented pews to the richer people of the parish. Poorer people sat in the free seats, which were often inconveniently situated. The ICBS thought that it was important for everyone, whether they rented a seat or not, to be able to hear and see the service properly.

Holy Sepulchre in Northampton (Northamptonshire) had its seats altered in 1838. What difference did the reseating make?

before work

proposed alterations

Sometimes seats were kept specially for women and men, or for the children of the Sunday schools. How many seats for free for children in St Mary the Virgin Teddington (Middlesex)? Would they have been able to hear the organ well from where they sat? (The organ is not labelled, but is drawn in the 'Transverse Section of West End').

St. Mary the Virgin, Teddington (1833)

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Research Guide Table of Contents

Researching the history of your church
Start by looking at the church
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A few examples from the ICBS