On the north side of the chancel is the vestry, recently erected in the Norman style, the windows of which are filled with “roundels” of old German and Flemish glass, exquisitely finished; and immediately adjoining is the chauntry chapel of St. Catharine; in the east wall of which is a window of very uncommon form, consisting of a pointed arch, within which is a trefoil, containing, in stained glass, Christ seated on a throne amid the clouds and the dead rising to judgment. Immediately beneath is a round-headed window, in which is a kneeling figure in stained glass of the Virgin Mary, with angels hovering over her head, bearing in their hands a crown. On the north side is a large window, of three lights, with perpendicular tracery, containing fine old German glass representing the Crucifixion; Saint and kneeling figure; Judas betraying Christ; and St. Lambert and kneeling figure. This chapel is now used as a Baptistery, and the beautiful ANCIENT STONE FONT stands in the centre, on a rich pavement of modern encaustic tiles. Against the north wall, an alabaster slab, engraved with figures of a warrior and lady, commemorates Nicholas Stafford, Esq. and Katherine, his wife, the reputed founders of this chapel, who died 1463, which formerly lay under the arched recess in the north wall.
[Picture: Ancient Stone Font, St. Mary’s Church]
Over the door leading into the vestry is the monument, in white marble, erected by subscription, to the memory of the brave ADMIRAL BENBOW, a native of the parish. [Picture: Monument to Admiral Benbow] It represents an obtuse pyramid of black marble, against which leans an oval medallion full faced bust of the Admiral, surrounded with anchor, flags, and cannon; and below a delicately sculptured representation in bas-relief of a naval fight: underneath is the following inscription:—
ERECTED BY PUBLIC SUBSCRIPTION TO COMMEMORATE THE SERVICES OF JOHN BENBOW, ESQ. VICE-ADMIRAL OF THE BLUE, A SKILFUL AND DARING SEAMAN WHOSE HEROIC EXPLOITS LONG RENDERED HIM THE BOAST OF THE BRITISH NAVY, AND STILL POINT HIM OUT AS THE NELSON OF HIS TIMES. HE WAS BORN AT COTON HILL IN THIS PARISH, AND DIED AT KINGSTON IN JAMAICA, NOVEMBER 4TH, 1702, AGED 51 YEARS, OF WOUNDS RECEIVED IN HIS MEMORABLE ACTION WITH A FRENCH SQUADRON OFF CARTHAGENA IN THE WEST INDIES, FOUGHT ON THE 19TH AND FIVE FOLLOWING DAYS OF AUGUST IN THAT YEAR.