Church of the Holy Sepulchre Restoration Trust
Clock and Window Conservation
Conservation of the Jaffa Window
Conservation of the Charles Eamer Kempe 1887 Window
Completed December 2018
THE BEVAN MEMORIAL DEDICATION
(Can be seen on the right at the base of the above window) By CHARLES EAMER KEMPE 1887
According to the 1851 census Isabella Bevan, to whom this window is dedicated, lived with her husband at 25 Sheep Street in the parish of Holy Sepulchre, Northampton and is most likely to have worshipped there.
Husband Richard was a Northampton magistrate aged 39 years whilst Isabella was 31 years, born in Buckinghamshire. During their tenure of Sheep Street, Isabella bore 5 children. By the 1881 census they are living at Brixworth Hall. They had more children including 2 daughters, Miss Mildred and Miss Ulrica who moved to Spratton and in 1881 were 29 years and 27 years.
Richard Lee Bevan JP died February 12th 1900 whilst his wife Isabella Judith Maria died 11th January 1885. They are laid to rest in a tomb situated outside St. Sepulchre West Door.
THE KEMPE WINDOW 1887
The latest works undertaken by the Trust relate to the stained glass window in the North side chapel most often referred to as The Becket Chapel. The history of repair needed was first revealed in the Holywell Glass Survey commissioned by the Trust in 2013…not as a window in desperate need but showing signs of ageing after being in situ for 141 years with no known maintenance apart from a repair after break-in many years ago.
Quite fortuitously a tiny advert in a church newspaper suggested that The Kempe Trust was inviting any property owner with a Kemp Studio stained glass window to apply for a minor grant towards conservation. This trust responded and has been most fortunate to receive a major grant towards a conservation project to bring the window splendidly up to date through removal, cleaning, repair and re-instatement including for much needed stonework renewal. The result is truly splendid and we are sure that the Bevan family, were they to still be around, would be immensely proud of the care and attention given to the memorial window.
The overall cost of the conservation is £61266.00 including VAT (vat recoverable).
Contract for stained glass awarded to ICON conservator Limelight Studios Ltd.
Contract for replacement stonework awarded to Clarendon Builders (Irthlingborough).
Glass Project Management by Holy Sepulchre Restoration Trust Ltd.
Architect Management for stonework awarded to GSS Architecture Kettering.
Faculty application jointly by Holy Sepulchre PCC & The Restoration Trust.
Richard Lee Bevan, wife Isabella and family resided at the long since demolished Brixworth Hall just outside Northampton. It is believed that the family were regular worshipers at Holy Sepulchre. Upon the early death of Isabella, Richard commemorated her life through the installation of the Becket Chapel window.
The dedication, bottom right in the window reads “In praise of the glorious resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the memory of Isabella, Richard Lee Bevan, her husband, dedicates this window”.
A Bevan tomb dedicated to Richard and Isabella is situate just outside the Great West Door.
Richard’s brother Richard Lee Cooper Bevan was also marriedto an Isabella. This brother was believed to be the first CEO of the original Barclays Bank in London , namely Bank of Bevan, Barclay and Triton.
Visiting groups and casual visitors alike are amazed at the transformation of this now known to be a unique Kempe Studios window. Any group within the Northampton or wider field communities are welcome to be in touch to book a tour where the full history and militaria is conveyed by experienced tour guides. Simply call 01604 754 782 to discuss booking details.
