CHURCH Kneelers
Many people visit our church and admire the architecture and the peaceful atmosphere. I wonder how many take notice of the Kneelers (also known as hassocks or tussocks)? According to an article in the Church Times 7th March 1997, In the early church people stood to pray. In the orthodox church they still do. Nonconformists sit. Anglicans and Roman Catholics usually kneel, a posture adopted by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane according to St. Luke. Kneeling for prayer gradually spread during the 12th century. In the Book of Common Prayer people are asked to make our confession ’meekly kneeling upon your knees.’ Bishops and princes may have knelt on velvet cushions but ordinary people had kneelers developed from tussocks (like Miss Muffit tuffet) and were stuffed with grass or straw. Hassocks were first defined in 1516 as cushions to rest feet on or ’especially in church to kneel on.’ The word kneeler does not appear until 1848. It is thought that until the end of the 19th century worshippers provided their own kneelers. The kneeler of today was born in the 1930s in Winchester Cathedral which began a scheme for embroidered kneelers for general use. Salisbury followed in 1937.
At the time of writing (2022), St Mary's in Great Bradley has a collection of 46 embroidered/ stitched kneelers in 37 designs, which have been made by parishioners. It is not known exactly when they were made, but two are dated 1986 and one is dated 2005, so they were probably made over that period. The last one shown here was made by June Taylor, whose name appears most on the labels that are readable. Poignantly, it was made by June in memory of her recently departed husband.
All the kneelers are made from kits supplied by Jacksons of Hebden Bridge. The designs were made by weaving coloured woollen thread through holes in an embroidery canvas. The technique is sometimes known as known as Canvas Work, Cross-stitch or Needlepoint.
The kneelers have a number of different designs. Some incorporate Christian symbols or reflect the Christian calendar; some depict organisations related to the church or a countryside scene or subjects that are of significance to those who made the kneeler or the person in whose memory it is dedicated to.
On the underneath of each kneeler is a label which records who donated it, who it is dedicated to and who made it. Most of labels are very faded and difficult to read, but where it is possible to do so they are recorded here, along with a picture of the relevant people if we have one.
All the kneelers are shown below, grouped into themes. Where there is a design on one of the sides then then that is shown, otherwise assume that the sides are a plain colour as per the background on the top face.
If you click on one of the pictures in each group it will open them all up as a larger image and you will be able to scroll through each one. The slide-show at the bottom of the page has all 37 kneeler designs.
At the time of writing (2022), St Mary's in Great Bradley has a collection of 46 embroidered/ stitched kneelers in 37 designs, which have been made by parishioners. It is not known exactly when they were made, but two are dated 1986 and one is dated 2005, so they were probably made over that period. The last one shown here was made by June Taylor, whose name appears most on the labels that are readable. Poignantly, it was made by June in memory of her recently departed husband.
All the kneelers are made from kits supplied by Jacksons of Hebden Bridge. The designs were made by weaving coloured woollen thread through holes in an embroidery canvas. The technique is sometimes known as known as Canvas Work, Cross-stitch or Needlepoint.
The kneelers have a number of different designs. Some incorporate Christian symbols or reflect the Christian calendar; some depict organisations related to the church or a countryside scene or subjects that are of significance to those who made the kneeler or the person in whose memory it is dedicated to.
On the underneath of each kneeler is a label which records who donated it, who it is dedicated to and who made it. Most of labels are very faded and difficult to read, but where it is possible to do so they are recorded here, along with a picture of the relevant people if we have one.
All the kneelers are shown below, grouped into themes. Where there is a design on one of the sides then then that is shown, otherwise assume that the sides are a plain colour as per the background on the top face.
If you click on one of the pictures in each group it will open them all up as a larger image and you will be able to scroll through each one. The slide-show at the bottom of the page has all 37 kneeler designs.
CROSS #1 -
Donated by H & G Fisher; Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley and made by G Fisher. On one side are the initials of H & G Fisher.
Donated by H & G Fisher; Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley and made by G Fisher. On one side are the initials of H & G Fisher.
CROSS #2 -
The only words that can be made out are Yvonne (on the 'donated' and 'made by' lines). The initials WEC are embroidered on one face. We think this would be be Yvonne Elmer who lived on the Clarendale in the ‘80s
The only words that can be made out are Yvonne (on the 'donated' and 'made by' lines). The initials WEC are embroidered on one face. We think this would be be Yvonne Elmer who lived on the Clarendale in the ‘80s
EASTER -
Lilies wound round a cross. It looks like it has been dedicated to Great Bradley. Two names can be made out (presumed to be the makers): Doreen (Stewart ?) and Penny (Radclyffe?). We have no record of a Doreen, but in the graveyard there is a cremation stone dedicated to Gwladys (known as Penny) Radclyffe, 1919-1998, so it is probably the same person. Penny Radclyffe lived in Pond House. The Radclyffes were great friends of Margaret and Stephen Ryder.
Lilies wound round a cross. It looks like it has been dedicated to Great Bradley. Two names can be made out (presumed to be the makers): Doreen (Stewart ?) and Penny (Radclyffe?). We have no record of a Doreen, but in the graveyard there is a cremation stone dedicated to Gwladys (known as Penny) Radclyffe, 1919-1998, so it is probably the same person. Penny Radclyffe lived in Pond House. The Radclyffes were great friends of Margaret and Stephen Ryder.
HARVEST FESTIVAL #1
- Donated by Mrs A Smith, probably Anne Smith.
- Donated by Mrs A Smith, probably Anne Smith.
HARVEST FESTIVAL #2 -
Donated by NA Boneham; Dedicated to "My Mother Ellie"; Made by Neville Boneham
Donated by NA Boneham; Dedicated to "My Mother Ellie"; Made by Neville Boneham
HARVEST FESTIVAL #3 -
Donated by Mr & Mrs L&C Fisher; Dedicated to Great Bradley Church; Made by Mrs S(hirley) J Fisher (pictured here in 1977)
Donated by Mr & Mrs L&C Fisher; Dedicated to Great Bradley Church; Made by Mrs S(hirley) J Fisher (pictured here in 1977)
HARVEST FESTIVAL CORN -
Donated by Mrs L Booth; Dedicated to Mr E Booth; Made by Pat Hickman.
Donated by Mrs L Booth; Dedicated to Mr E Booth; Made by Pat Hickman.
CHRISTMAS 1986 -
Donated by Great Bradley & District Playgroup; Dedicated to St Marys Church Great Bradley; Made by Mrs S J Fisher. Shirley Fisher's picture was taken at the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 and may have been the daughter of H & G Fisher who made a different kneeler.
Donated by Great Bradley & District Playgroup; Dedicated to St Marys Church Great Bradley; Made by Mrs S J Fisher. Shirley Fisher's picture was taken at the Silver Jubilee celebrations in 1977 and may have been the daughter of H & G Fisher who made a different kneeler.
NOEL 1986 -
The only word that can be made out is 'Knight' in the top line. Tony & Marie Knight were parishioners and very engaged with the church. Tony was the Church Warden for many years. The picture shows them outside Crown House in the main street, which they ran as post office and garage.
The only word that can be made out is 'Knight' in the top line. Tony & Marie Knight were parishioners and very engaged with the church. Tony was the Church Warden for many years. The picture shows them outside Crown House in the main street, which they ran as post office and garage.
PEOPLE'S WARDEN -
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church and made by Mrs Karen Roberts
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church and made by Mrs Karen Roberts
RECTOR'S WARDEN -
Donated by Stephen Ryder [of Great Bradley Hall]; Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley; Made by Mrs Rogers.
Stephen Ryder was the Church Warden and the kneeler was worked by Mrs Violet Rogers who lived lived in the first cottage at the bottom of Water Lane
Donated by Stephen Ryder [of Great Bradley Hall]; Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley; Made by Mrs Rogers.
Stephen Ryder was the Church Warden and the kneeler was worked by Mrs Violet Rogers who lived lived in the first cottage at the bottom of Water Lane
LAMB OF GOD -
There is no label on the back of this kneeler
There is no label on the back of this kneeler
SING TO THE LORD -
Donated by K E Onion; Dedicated to Mr & Mrs V. Nunn; Made by KE Onion. Interestingly, the inscription on the label is stitched in rather than being written on and so has remained readable. Mrs Pam Pearman, much-loved teacher at Great Bradley School and subsequently Thurlow School once told me she was ‘an Onion’ so guess it was a local family.
Donated by K E Onion; Dedicated to Mr & Mrs V. Nunn; Made by KE Onion. Interestingly, the inscription on the label is stitched in rather than being written on and so has remained readable. Mrs Pam Pearman, much-loved teacher at Great Bradley School and subsequently Thurlow School once told me she was ‘an Onion’ so guess it was a local family.
KEYS TO THE KINGDOM -
The label is unreadable.
The label is unreadable.
SUNDAY SCHOOL -
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to Great Bradley Sunday School; Made by Mrs M (Maggie?) Beardsmore. She was the the wife of the Revd Alan Beardsmore, rector of the parish in the ‘80s. Alan was a former naval chaplain and had seen action in the Falklands.
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to Great Bradley Sunday School; Made by Mrs M (Maggie?) Beardsmore. She was the the wife of the Revd Alan Beardsmore, rector of the parish in the ‘80s. Alan was a former naval chaplain and had seen action in the Falklands.
GREAT BRADLEY SCHOOL 1860 - 1967-
The only words that can be made out are 'Great Bradley' in the Donation line. It was made by Pam Pearman, former teacher in Great Bradley school
The only words that can be made out are 'Great Bradley' in the Donation line. It was made by Pam Pearman, former teacher in Great Bradley school
WI -
The pattern shows the stylised letters W & I [Women's Institute]. There is no label but written on the canvas is "Worked by WI members
The pattern shows the stylised letters W & I [Women's Institute]. There is no label but written on the canvas is "Worked by WI members
STAINED GLASS -
Donated by Evergreen (Residents?). The rest is indecipherable.
Donated by Evergreen (Residents?). The rest is indecipherable.
CROSS PATTERN #1 -
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church; Made by Joan Willett, mother of Sue Ireland who donated the 'Peace' kneeler
Donated by the Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church; Made by Joan Willett, mother of Sue Ireland who donated the 'Peace' kneeler
CROSS PATTERN #2 -
Donated to Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church; Made by Mrs ?? Ross
Donated to Parochial Church Council; Dedicated to St Mary's Church; Made by Mrs ?? Ross
CROSS PATTERN #3 -
Donated by Mr & Mrs AE Rogers; Dedicated to "All Our Family"; Made by Violet Rogers (Mrs)
Donated by Mr & Mrs AE Rogers; Dedicated to "All Our Family"; Made by Violet Rogers (Mrs)
CROSS PATTERN #4 -
The label is unreadable
The label is unreadable
PEACE -
Donated by Sue & Ken Ireland (pictured in 2022); Made by Aggie Beavis (pictured in the early 200s)
Donated by Sue & Ken Ireland (pictured in 2022); Made by Aggie Beavis (pictured in the early 200s)
DOVE OF PEACE #1-
Donated by Gill Dun; Dedicated to St Mary's Great Bradley; Made by Gill Dunn. Gill lived at Ragill on Evergreen Lane
Donated by Gill Dun; Dedicated to St Mary's Great Bradley; Made by Gill Dunn. Gill lived at Ragill on Evergreen Lane
DOVE OF PEACE #2 -
The only information about this kneeler is the word 'Knight' on the label. Tony Knight and Marie Knight were very involved with the church when they lived in the village.
The only information about this kneeler is the word 'Knight' on the label. Tony Knight and Marie Knight were very involved with the church when they lived in the village.
WORLD PEACE #1 -
Donated by Great Bradley (& District?) Sunday School. The dedication and the maker are indecipherable.
Donated by Great Bradley (& District?) Sunday School. The dedication and the maker are indecipherable.
WORLD PEACE #2 -
The label is unreadable.
The label is unreadable.
REMEMBRANCE #1 -
Donated by Maggie Beardmore; Dedicated to the Great Bradley Fallen; Made by Maggie Beardmore
Donated by Maggie Beardmore; Dedicated to the Great Bradley Fallen; Made by Maggie Beardmore
REMEMBRANCE #2 -
The label is very difficult to read. I have tried to enhance it and think the top line reads David & [Madeline?] Harding; the middle line is indistinct ; the bottom line is [Melissa?] Harding
The label is very difficult to read. I have tried to enhance it and think the top line reads David & [Madeline?] Harding; the middle line is indistinct ; the bottom line is [Melissa?] Harding
REMEMBRANCE #3 -
We have no information about this one.
We have no information about this one.
.AMBULANCE RED CROSS -
Donated by Margaret Ryder; dedicated to the British Red Cross Society and made by Helen Beardsmore, daughter of Revd Alan and Maggie (?) Beardsmore
In WWII Margaret Ryder (nee McKenzie) initially served in the No.l Scottish Motor Company (Glasgow), driving ambulances and staff cars, and continued driving ambulances for the Military Hospital at Buchanan Castle, Scotland This is probably why she chose this kneeler design. The Ryders lived in Great Bradley Hall. The last picture shows the future Queen beside a WWII ambulance truck with the red cross motif.
Donated by Margaret Ryder; dedicated to the British Red Cross Society and made by Helen Beardsmore, daughter of Revd Alan and Maggie (?) Beardsmore
In WWII Margaret Ryder (nee McKenzie) initially served in the No.l Scottish Motor Company (Glasgow), driving ambulances and staff cars, and continued driving ambulances for the Military Hospital at Buchanan Castle, Scotland This is probably why she chose this kneeler design. The Ryders lived in Great Bradley Hall. The last picture shows the future Queen beside a WWII ambulance truck with the red cross motif.
HMS TIGER -
Donated by Stephen Ryder of Great Bradley Hall, Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley; Made by Mrs Rogers. I think this motif is the crest of the ship HMS Tiger but I don't know the significance of it here.
Donated by Stephen Ryder of Great Bradley Hall, Dedicated to St Mary's, Great Bradley; Made by Mrs Rogers. I think this motif is the crest of the ship HMS Tiger but I don't know the significance of it here.
ROYAL NAVY CREST -
The dedication is unreadable apart from "Until Daybreak" which is from the Song of Solomon
The dedication is unreadable apart from "Until Daybreak" which is from the Song of Solomon
FLEUR DE LIS - The label is unreadable
SPRING SCENE -
The information is unreadable
The information is unreadable
SUMMER SCENE -
Donated by The Moreton & Mansfield Families; Dedicated to Stephen John Dickinson; Made by Jayne Moreton & Wendy Mansfield. Wendy and Jayne are pictured at a fancy-dress rounders match and Wendy is also pictured in front of the first Great Bradley village sign which she designed.
Donated by The Moreton & Mansfield Families; Dedicated to Stephen John Dickinson; Made by Jayne Moreton & Wendy Mansfield. Wendy and Jayne are pictured at a fancy-dress rounders match and Wendy is also pictured in front of the first Great Bradley village sign which she designed.
WINTER SCENE -
Donated and made by EM Howe. Mr and Mrs Howe were regular church attenders in the ‘80s and lived on in Clarendale.
Donated and made by EM Howe. Mr and Mrs Howe were regular church attenders in the ‘80s and lived on in Clarendale.
GREEN WOODPECKER -
The dedication is unclear but seems to include ".... Atkinson ... Norfolk"; Made by "..... Katie ... " on "... Day June 21st 2003". This label is one of two that are different from all the others. This one and the Barn Owl were made specially for the wedding of the Atkinson’s son in 2003 and donated to the church. The Atkinsons lived on the Clarendale and Mr Atkinson was on the Parish Council for a while.
The dedication is unclear but seems to include ".... Atkinson ... Norfolk"; Made by "..... Katie ... " on "... Day June 21st 2003". This label is one of two that are different from all the others. This one and the Barn Owl were made specially for the wedding of the Atkinson’s son in 2003 and donated to the church. The Atkinsons lived on the Clarendale and Mr Atkinson was on the Parish Council for a while.
BARN OWL -
The label is unreadable but the same type as the Woodpecker (these being different from all the others). This one and the Great Spooted Woodpecker were made specially for the wedding of the Atkinson’s son in 2003 and donated to the church. The Atkinsons lived on the Clarendale and Mr Atkinson was on the Parish Council for a while.
The label is unreadable but the same type as the Woodpecker (these being different from all the others). This one and the Great Spooted Woodpecker were made specially for the wedding of the Atkinson’s son in 2003 and donated to the church. The Atkinsons lived on the Clarendale and Mr Atkinson was on the Parish Council for a while.
YORKSHIRE ROSE -
Donated by Miss EM Bonner; Dedicated to "My Mother & Father"; Made by Miss EM Bonner
Donated by Miss EM Bonner; Dedicated to "My Mother & Father"; Made by Miss EM Bonner
POPPYS -
FLOWER GRID #1 -
Donated by Ruby Barford, Dedicated to ?? Barford; Made by Gary (?) Barford
The flowers are a cowslip (probably, top left & bottom right), snowdrop (top right & bottom left), violet (top middle) and daffodil. Ruby Barford was the sister of Violet Rogers and lived in the right hand cottage at the bottom of Water Lane.
Donated by Ruby Barford, Dedicated to ?? Barford; Made by Gary (?) Barford
The flowers are a cowslip (probably, top left & bottom right), snowdrop (top right & bottom left), violet (top middle) and daffodil. Ruby Barford was the sister of Violet Rogers and lived in the right hand cottage at the bottom of Water Lane.
FLOWER GRID #2 -
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to James Alexander Savage (father of June) 20.10.20 - 01.08.98. The flowers are (clockwise from top left) Bluebell, Daisy, Poppy, Bluebell, Cranesbill?, Poppy
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to James Alexander Savage (father of June) 20.10.20 - 01.08.98. The flowers are (clockwise from top left) Bluebell, Daisy, Poppy, Bluebell, Cranesbill?, Poppy
FLOWER GRID #3 -
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Made by June Taylor; Dedicated to Sidney & Daisy Cooper,
The flowers are Primrose, Violet, Forget-me-Not, Primrose, Red Campion (?), Forget-me-Not
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Made by June Taylor; Dedicated to Sidney & Daisy Cooper,
The flowers are Primrose, Violet, Forget-me-Not, Primrose, Red Campion (?), Forget-me-Not
FLOWERS #1 -
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to Patrick Vowls (?) 16.3.1924 - 16.4.1995; Made by June M Taylor.
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to Patrick Vowls (?) 16.3.1924 - 16.4.1995; Made by June M Taylor.
FLOWERS #2 -
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to Jacqueline Savage (28.02.61 - 16.5.90); Made by June (Jacqueline's sister)
Donated by June & Brian Taylor; Dedicated to Jacqueline Savage (28.02.61 - 16.5.90); Made by June (Jacqueline's sister)
FLOWERS #3 -
Donated by "June Taylor and Family"; Dedicated to "."Brian W Taylor 21.9.1937 - 28.03.05".
I think this kneeler is dedicated to June's husband Brian. Brian died in March 2005 Aged 67. He and June lived on Clarendale for 23 years. An appreciation of his life appeared in the Bradley Bugle April 2005. Brian is the final entry in the Burial Register from 1933 onwards and now kept at the records office Bury St Edmunds. He is buried in the graveyard. I also think this was the last kneeler to be made.
Donated by "June Taylor and Family"; Dedicated to "."Brian W Taylor 21.9.1937 - 28.03.05".
I think this kneeler is dedicated to June's husband Brian. Brian died in March 2005 Aged 67. He and June lived on Clarendale for 23 years. An appreciation of his life appeared in the Bradley Bugle April 2005. Brian is the final entry in the Burial Register from 1933 onwards and now kept at the records office Bury St Edmunds. He is buried in the graveyard. I also think this was the last kneeler to be made.