Turvey Rectory

The Rectory in about 1900.

The original building stood in the same spot as the current one but it was nearer the corner.of Carlton Road. The entrance was flush with the road and there was a large glass balcony ('the Gazebo') over the old entrance from which the Rev. Legh Richmond  would keep an eye on the village, with the help of a large telescope!   The rear entrance was then round the back, in Carlton Road.

The new Rectory was rebuilt in 1839 with a £1000 gift from Miss Anna Maria Higgins of Turvey House (the same lady had also donated money for a church organ and the list of rectors found in the church today). 

The side of the rectory has a strange mural of matchstick-like men in the brickwork.  Here is a general picture and close-ups of two of the figures.

Just below the brickwork murtal there is a

row of cute fugures, they are all the same.

I adore the chimneys.  Each is different and represents a different brick laying style.  With theuir little castellations on the top, they are so cool.

Chimneys like this would have been terribly expensive to commission.  What better way to show off the wealth and power of the Church?

Here is the Rectory as it is today.

On the front of the building there is a little

niche.  Inside sits my favorite part of this

building - the owl.  I adored this as a child and could

not take a walk through the village without stopping

to say hello.  Which is why I have included a nice big close up!  Note the cowering devil beneath him - does anyone know if this is significant symbology?