Alabaster at Flawford

Three alabaster figures unearthed at Flawford

From Throsby's Antiquities of Nottinghamshire, 1790-6, Vol I

Flawford/Flawforth church "sketched from memory" by a Mr Carver who was born at Ruddington

From Throsby's Antiquities of Nottinghamshire, 1790-6, Vol I

Unearthed at a Lost Village

 The three figures depicted in the drawing were unearthed at the site of the demolished church at Flawford (or Flawforth) in 1779 and were made of alabaster.  The originals are now in the Castle Museum at Nottingham.

This page contains information on the lost church and the finding of the figures.

For information on the Lost village of Flawforth, please click HERE

The Lost Church of Flawforth/Flawford - Demolished by Colliers

The original church was Saxon, being largely replaced by a medieval structure in the 13th and 14th centuries.

The position of the church meant that it was on a crossroads and virtually equidistant from the villages of Ruddington, Plumtree, Edwalton and Bradmore.  The fact that Flawford church was built in this location suggests that it was the earliest of the local churches, pre-dating those later established in the four surrounding villages.  (There is only documentary evidence, however, to show that it served as the mother church for Ruddington and Edwalton.

Writing of the church at Flawford/Flawforth, Guilford (3) says "Various descriptions of the building remain, which show it to have been of considerable size.  It was not used after 1718, and was pulled down in 1773".  In fact parts of the church were demolished separately at different times - the nave in 1773 and the chancel in 1778 - with the graveyard continuing in commission till at least 1787.

The last person to be interred in Flawford churchyard (says Throsby (2) p.130) was a John Wilkinson, aged 80

Interestingly, the date of 1773 for the demolition is nicely recorded by Throsby (2) where he says "In an old memorandum book, shewn me by the clerk of Ruddington, which was kept by an old schoolmaster, is the entry 'Saturday June 12th, 1773, Flawford Church was demolished by colliers" 

About three years previously (ie c.1770) continues Throsby, "18 of 20ft of the spire fell, which in some measure hastened its final dissolution".  Stone from the tower, he says, was used to mend roads, make pigsties and horse blocks, whilst gravestones from Flawford were seen to be lying in some Ruddington farmyards.

The Flawford Alabaster Figures

The Nottingham Journal newspaper of 27th February 1779 reported on the discovery of the figures, and, in its subsequent edition of 13th March, gave details about them as they appeared at the time:-

"Last week as workmen were digging up the foundation of Flawford church.... they found three images of alabaster under the chancel, about two feet in length...."

"...the first [No.1 far left in the drawing above] was found a little defaced by the workmen, is supposed to be sa striking representation of the Virgin Mary, with a crown on her head, and the child Jesus on her right arm, clothed in robes of various colours, sculptured with great art, and strikes the beholder with wonder and admiration.  The child hath its hands on her right breast, which is bare, and the hair of her head (as also that of the child) is richly ornamented with gold; her shoes are sharp toed, and she measures in height about 2 feet 4 inches.

"The next image [No.3 far right in the drawing above] is a representation on St.Peter [to whom the church at Flawford was dedicated] habited in robes of variegated colours, with two keys hanging on his right hand; and holdingin his left the model of a church in the shape of a cross; a triple crown on his head, and at his feeta small figure in supplicating posture; a label has gone forth from his mouth, but the head and the label are broke off; and measures 2 feet 8 inches in height.

"The other figure [No.2 centre in the drawing above] plainly indicates the representation of a Bishop, the crosier in his left hand, and mitre on his head, do confirm this supposition; his right hand is erect; there is a ring on his second finger; and this beautiful statue measures 3 feet 2 inches in height.  It is very probable that this figure may represent St.Paulinus, St.John of Beverley, or some one or other of the Archiepiscopal See of York, as it was found under the wall where the altar stood."

Throsby, in his Antiquities of Nottinghamshire (1790-96, Vol.I p.132) says he, at that time, had the three statues in his possession.

A note on excavations at the site of Flawford church (1) notes that the finding of the figures buried beneath the chancel floor probably indicated that they had been placed there at the time of the Reformation to save them from destruction.  The same source says that the figures "were almost certainly carved in Nottingham and have been dated to pre-1370".

The figures - known as the Flawford Alabasters - may now be seen in the Castle Museum at Nottingham.

Notes

(1) Transactions of the Thoroton Society of Nottinghamshire Vol.98 (1994) pp.134-136