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The Misericords and history of Balsham,

Holy Trinity.

Holy Trinity once boasted twenty six, early 15th century misericords, however, 16 of these are now missing.

Click to launch a description of Holy Trinity’s misericords

Click the thumbnail misericords for larger images

History of Holy Trinity, Balsham, Cambridgeshire.

It is recorded that a church existed on this site by 1010 AD, although none of this Saxon church is now evident.  The current church has a mix of dates, with the bell tower being the oldest part, dating from the 13th century.  The chancel dates from the early 14th century, whilst the nave with it’s clerestory dates from the late 14th - the 26 stalls with their misericords were added during this building phase, probably in the  year 1400.  A rood loft was added in the latter half of the 15th century, and the chancel roof was raised with its clerestory being added at the same time.

At some (unrecorded) time between the dissolution of the monasteries and the end of the Commonwealth, 17 of the misericords were removed, leaving nine. In the 19th century one misericord was added which may be the work of Canon H.J.S. Burrell, a former vicar who was a noted woodcarver.

The 19th century saw some extensive renovation, with the rooves being renewed, and the clerestories being repaired.  A vestry was added on the north side in 1867, and further restoration was carried out in 1875.  

Further works have been carried out in the 20th century, with the addition of a chapel in the north aisle, containing an Elizabethan altar table. In 1973 the bell tower was strengthened.

Apart from the misericords, Holy Trinity has many other fine carvings.

Holy Trinity does not appear to have its own website, however, the Balsham Holy Trinity parish page of the diocese website should keep you posted

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Click here for more 15th century misericords

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