In 1438 Barnby was a rich parish because it was asked to pay £2.19.10d. towards the cost of the wars with France, and no abatement was allowed ‘on account of poverty’. This was at the time of the 100 Years’ War during the reign of King Henry VI.
Several additions were made to the Church in the 15th century, the resulting structure being very similar to today. The North Porch with pinnacles and gargoyles was added in 1480, along with the splendidly carved oak door. Recently a modern security lock has been fitted inside the original one so that the appearance of the door is not spoiled. The west tower, with west angle buttresses, embattled parapet and four pinnacles, was built of Lincoln ashlar limestone.
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| The North Oak Door | All Saints Church in the 15th Century |
| Within the tower is a tomb of, what appears to be, a lady praying. It lies along the west wall of the tower with the head of the tomb in the northwest corner. The lid is raised approximately 10cm above the stone floor of the tower. The tomb was hidden during the 1950's when a raised wooden floor was built for the bell ringers. This has reduced the wear on the lid as the ringer of the second bell had to stand directly on the head of the carved figure. Although not dated, the tomb possibly predates the tower as the west wall is built slightly over the lid, which is cracked through its centre. The floor boards were removed to allow these photographs to be taken shortly before a carpet was placed in the ringing area. It may be some time before the 'praying lady' is seen again. |  |
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The clerestory (the upper row of windows) and aisle roofs are of 15th century oak covered with lead. The box pews in the north and south aisles of the nave were also added in the late 15th century.
The ‘poppyhead’ carvings on the pew-ends were added in the 15th century. ‘Poppyhead’ derives from the French word ‘poupée’ meaning puppet or doll. The carvings include a bearded man, a staring man, a face very similar to Mr Punch, various animals, and a singing bishop.
One shows two ladies’ heads and between them a man’s head with his tongue poking out. Supposedly, the carver was brought up by two unpopular aunts and he showed his feelings about them in his work!
Four carvings are of cast-iron, one in the chancel and three in the nave. These cast-iron replacements also include detail right down the side of the pew to their base and the detail very closely matches the originals; the best way of telling which they are is by touch, as they feel very cold. It is believed that these cast-iron pew ends replaced the original carvings during Victorian renovations.
Last updated: 21 November 2000