The Parish of Flitwick

Church of England

Diocese of St Albans

Romanesque Font

On the left as you enter by the south door stands the Font. It is here that generations of children and adults have been baptised into the family of the Church, and that is why, symbolically, fonts are usually found near the main door of a church. Originally our font was fixed against the pillar close to the south door. The circular fluted bowl of the font is Norman and dates back to the twelfth century.

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The circular shaft and base which support it are nineteenth century and were added when the font was moved to its present position. In past centuries there was a superstition that sometimes evil spirits lurked in fonts and to keep them in some fonts had their lids sealed or locked on. The lid of our font was for many years securely fastened, but was opened and restored to its proper use one Whitsunday during the 1850’s.

During the time when the font was sealed a small vessel or basin was placed on the lid. Our basin had a small round wooden stand, the top of which is still preserved. On one side is printed round the circumference in Greek capitals the palindrome NIYON ANOMHMA MH MONAN OYIN  a free translation of which is ‘Wash the sin not only the face.’ Lines such as these are known as Devil’s Verses.

Near to the door is the oldest pew in the church. It is a good example of linen-fold panelling. Go now to the centre of the Nave. During the 14th century the Chancel was widened, the south wall added and the tower built. Subsequently the porch was built and the roof of the south aisle flattened to allow for the three clerestory windows. At that time the north wall was brick with just one small window and a heavy rood screen divided the Chancel from the Nave. In 1858 the north aisle was built and in 1890 lamps were installed to replace candles. The roof was renewed in 1867 and the painted bosses are of various designs.

This page last updated 08/05/2008