EVERSHOT CHURCH. 65 



of the 12th century, and has now been rebuilt between the north 

 aisle and the organ chamber. The new chancel, like the present 

 church, is mostly in the style of the 15th century. The nave has 

 three bays on each side, the south arcade being in imitation of that 

 on the north, which formed a portion of the ancient edifice. The 

 greater part of the old tower is still remaining, but it has been 

 rebuilt from the level of the belfry upwards with the addition of a 

 new west door and window, angle buttresses, and a spiralet. The 

 original Norman font remains. The pedestal, in the form of a 

 cross, is, however, modern. 



The clock was presented by the 3rd Earl of Ilchester at a cost of 

 150, and, in passing, I may say that it stands in great need of 

 restoration, both internally and externally. We are going to 

 undertake this at once. 



The tower originally contained four bells, which were recast and 

 two added in 1775 at a cost of 100. On the 6th bell is the 

 following inscription : " * I to the church the living call, and to 

 the grave do summon all. 7 Mr. John Pitman, churchwarden. 

 T. Bilbie, fecit, 1775." 



The original church was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin ; the 

 new to S. Osmond. On the floor of the chancel is a brass plate, 

 representing a priest in eucharistic vestments, with chalice and 

 host. It is 18 Jin. in length, and is in an excellent state of preser- 

 vation. Underneath on another plate is this inscription in Latin, 

 of which the following is the English translation : "Pray for 

 the soul of William Grey, formerly Rector of this church, who 

 died the 18th day of March in the year of our Lord 1524, on 

 whose soul may God have mercy. Amen." 



I should like to call attention to the shape of the nave, which is 

 practically a square. The reason why this is so is as follows : 

 When the church was restored in 1852 it was thought desirable to 

 enlarge it. It was impossible to do this in length owing to the 

 old chancel being in the way, so the only alternative was to increase 

 its width. I would also like you to notice that the chancel is not 

 in the middle of the east end of the church, and I would suggest 



