INGRAM CHURCH 389 



It does not appear that from the time of the Norman Conquest 

 onwards for 300 years or more there were any persons hvmg in 

 this parish except such as hved by the labour of their own hands ; 

 and when we take into account the state of the country, that 

 there were no roads, and no means of going about but by foot or 

 on horseback, and the cost of keeping hoi'ses in those days when 

 there were scarcely any buildings but those attached to the 

 castles of the rich, and very little hay made and stacked, it is 

 evident that the Churches were of little use but to those that 

 dwelt moderately near. Who then built this Church ^ Clearly 

 the poor local inhabitants. How then were the funds raised 1 

 The way in which the lower half of the tower was reared without 

 any adequate material foundations, without any one that we can 

 call an architect (for the East side is about eight inches longer 

 than the West), and of rough boulder stones hammered into shape 

 (quarried stones and their carriage being too expensive), and 

 with mortar very deficient in lime, proves their poverty and the 

 hearty earnestness and self-denial with which they braved the 

 undertaking. Yet the mortifications which any of them 

 inflicted upon themselves in prosecution of it have been known to 

 Him who beholdeth all things ; their tears have been put into 

 His bottle, and have even already met with some measure of 

 reward, for its endurance has afforded them the gratification of 

 looking down through so many ages upon a stability marvellously 

 imparted to it, and exhibiting to successive generations a 

 standing monument of their zeal and love in God's service. 

 Thus have their labours been blessed. The next fifty years saw 

 them and their children laying up in store for another and 

 greater work. Theii' ampler means enabled them to procure 

 freestones and other materials, and employ a qualified architect 

 and more skilful masons ; and their work in the upper part of 

 the tower, and the arches within the Church, have been from 

 their beauty the glory of the parishioners ever since, and will, it 

 is to be hoped, being duly cared for, remain an encouragement 

 and comfort to them, and to all who shall come after, in the 

 performance of their religious duties for as many ages more. 



