26 FOY (E.c.)
(O.S. 6 in. (a)XLVI, S.E., (b)XLVII, S.W., (c)XLVII,
N.W.)
Foy is a parish mainly on the left bank of the River
Wye, 3 m. N. of Ross. The principal monument is
the church.
Ecclesiastical
a(1). Parish Church of St. Mary, stands on the W.
side of the parish and on the N. side of the River Wye.
The walls are of local sandstone rubble except the S.
wall of the nave and the W. tower which are of ashlar;
the dressings are of local red and grey sandstone; the
roofs are covered with modern slates. The Chancel and
Nave are of early 13th-century date. The West Tower
and South Porch were added in the 14th century, and in
the same century the S. wall of the nave was re-built.
From the construction of the top stage of the W. tower
it is apparent that the addition of a spire was originally
intended, but if this was built and at some subsequent
period fell or was taken down, or if the spire was never
erected, is now uncertain. The E. wall of the chancel
was re-built in 1673. The church was restored in 1854
and again in 1863.
Amongst the fittings the two 13th-century carved
coffin-lids, the glass in the E. window of the chancel,
and the mural monuments in the chancel are noteworthy.
Foy, the Parish Church of St. Mary
Architectural Description—The Chancel (28 ft. by
20½ ft.) has an E. window of late 14th-century character,
partly repaired and of four trefoiled lights with vertical
tracery in a two-centred head with a moulded label;
externally in the gable above the window, under a
square moulded label, is a small panel carved with the
arms and initials "I. A." for John Abrahall, and
the date 1673. In the N. wall are two windows, the
eastern a small early 13th-century lancet and the
western an early 14th-century window of two trefoiled lights with a cusped spandrel in a two-centred
head, with a moulded label. In the S. wall are two
windows; the eastern is of the 14th century and
of two trefoiled lights with a pierced spandrel in a
two-centred head with a moulded label; the western is
also of the 14th century, partly restored and of two
trefoiled ogee lights in a square head; below it is a
doorway, probably of the 14th century and with
hollow-chamfered jambs in a square head. The early
13th-century chancel-arch is two-centred and of two
chamfered orders carried down the responds on to
shaped stops and interrupted at the springing by a
moulded impost; there is a moulded label on the W.
side.
The Nave (42¼ ft. by 26¾ ft.) has in the N. wall three
modern windows; the N. doorway has 13th or 14th-century chamfered jambs and a modern head. The
S. wall was re-built in the 14th century and has three
windows; the easternmost of two trefoiled lights with
a multifoiled light in a two-centred head; the second
window is of two trefoiled ogee lights with curvilinear
tracery in a two-centred head; the westernmost window
is uniform with the second window in the N. wall of
the chancel, but with defaced head-stops to the label.
The 14th-century S. doorway has jambs and two-centred head of two wave-moulded orders.
The West Tower (12 ft. square) is of 14th-century date.
It is of three storeys, undivided externally, and has a
deep moulded plinth and a plain parapet. The tower-arch is two-centred and of two chamfered orders
carried down the responds on to shaped stops; the
arch has a chamfered label towards the nave. The W.
window is of two trefoiled lights with vertical tracery
in a two-centred head with a moulded label on carved
head-stops, one defaced. The second stage has in the
N., S. and W. walls a single-light window with chamfered jambs and a square head; on the external face
of the E. wall is the string-course marking the line of
the former and steeper roof to the nave. The bell-chamber has in each wall an original window of two
trefoiled ogee lights with a quatrefoil in a two-centred
head with a moulded label. Across the upper angles of
this stage are two-centred arches, each of two chamfered
orders; these were either built for or formerly carried
a spire.
The South Porch was added in the 14th century, but
the addition was made after the S. wall of the nave had
been re-built. The entrance archway has jambs and
two-centred arch of two moulded orders. The side
walls have each a window of two trefoiled ogee lights
in a square head; the mullions are modern.
The Roof of the nave is of late 14th or early 15th-century date, and is of collar-beam type with hollow
chamfered braces forming flat semi-elliptical arches
below the collars; above the collars are struts to the
principal rafters forming open cusped panels in the apex
of each truss. Above the moulded wall-plate is a deep
fascia with a central frieze of trefoiled and quatre-foiled
panels and an embattled cornice. The S. porch has a
plain collar-beam roof probably of the 14th century.
Fittings—Bells: modern, except sanctus by John
Finch, mid 17th-century. Bier: In W. tower—
with turned legs, moulded framing and turned handles
hinged at ends, 17th-century. Book: In vicarage—
dilapidated copy of Prayer Book of 1677. Brackets:
(see Recess). Chair: (Plate 27) In chancel—with
turned front legs and arm supports, moulded front and
side stretchers, carved front and side rails to seat, shaped
arms and carved framing and panel to back surmounted
by scrolled top with initials "T. R." on back, first
half 17th-century. Chest: In W. tower—in ringing
chamber, with plain sides and ends and coped top in one
piece hung on two strap hinges and with four plain
lock plates, 13th or 14th-century, in advanced state of
decay. Churchyard Cross: W. of W. tower, moulded
octagonal base with sinking for square cross-shaft, much
worn and with modern inscription on upper edge,
mediæval. Coffin-Slabs: (see Monuments (1), (5) and
(6)). Communion Table: In W. tower—with plain top,
turned legs and moulded stretchers; drawer modern,
late 17th-century. Communion Rails: now, with
modern work, enclosing choir stalls at E. end of nave
—with turned balusters and moulded rail, c. 1640.
Doors: In nave—in S. doorway (1) in two leaves
(Plate 34) with two-centred head, with each leaf
divided vertically into two divisions by applied ribs
and horizontally by cusped rail across middle; back
strengthened by intersecting diagonal ribs, of 14th-century origin with 17th-century and modern repair;
each leaf hung on two wrought-iron hinges with
sickle-shaped terminations at ends, 14th-century re-used. In W. tower—(2) in two vertical pieces with
two-centred head and hung on four strap hinges,
15th-century with modern repair. Fonts: In chancel
—(1) disused bowl of circular font with tapering sides,
12th or 13th-century. In nave—(2) octagonal bowl, each
face with three trefoil-headed panels, splayed underside,
late 14th-century, stem and base, modern. Glass: In
chancel—in E. window (Plate 94), in multifoiled light
in traceried head of window, (a) a crucifix on blue and
ruby background with modern repair, with running
yellow border; in cusped lights on either side of (a),
in N. light, (b) figure of the Virgin in yellow gown and
ruby cloak, (c) in S. light, figure of St. John in yellow
gown and blue cloak, similar setting to (b). In main
lights of window from N. to S., (d) in upper part of light,
figure of one of the Magi, holding covered cup and
wearing tunic and hose of diapered white, blue trunks
and sleeves and red cloak; in lower part of light,
figure of woman; (e) in upper part of light, figure of
man (St. Joseph?) in blue gown and yellow cloak; in
lower part of light, kneeling figure of one of the Magi
holding sceptre, head modern; below figure mutilated
monogram P.D. and a knotted cord; (f) in upper part
of light, figure of the Virgin wearing yellow gown and
blue cloak, in lower part of light, scene in stable with ox
and ass, with date below, 1675; (g) in upper part of light,
one of the Magi wearing blue and white gown and holding covered cup; in lower part of light, figure of
St. Catherine in yellow robe and ruby cloak with sword
behind; below, part of monogram with letter "A"
reversed. Each of the upper figures in main lights
stands beneath a pediment surmounted by a triple
pinnacled canopy in yellow stain, and above the lower
figures are remains of trefoiled canopies; each light has
a border as described in (b), all c. 1675, but with modern
repair. The general design of the window is that of
the E. window at Sellack church, from which it was
probably copied. In westernmost window in N. wall,
border of yellowish brown quatrefoils alternating with
ruby, fragments of foliage, 14th-century. Monuments
and Floor-slabs. Monuments: In chancel—on floor
in N.E. corner (1) carved on tapering slab, much worn
figure, probably of woman, in low relief, with flat-topped
head-dress, hands in prayer and holding an object, feet
resting on circular boss; figure set within trefoil-headed canopy surmounted by a cross, broken and
much defaced, late 13th-century; on N. wall, (2) of Paul
Abrahall, 1675, painted bust of man (Plate 54) holding
book in left hand, in elliptical-headed niche, flanked by
twisted Ionic columns resting on carved brackets and
supporting entablatures with broken and scrolled pediment surmounted by 'putti' and enclosing cartouches-of-arms; below bust inscription-tablet in border of
scroll-work; (3) to Dorothy (Abrahall) Jones, 1690,
and William Jones, 1696, her husband, vicar of the
parish, inscription-tablet set in moulded frame (Plate
54) flanked by carved scroll-brackets with cartouche
and cherub-head below and surmounted by curved and
broken pediment enclosing cartouche-of-arms; on S.
wall (4) to George Abrahall, A.M., 1673–4, rector of
Foy, and Elizabeth, 1681, his wife, painted stone monument (Plate 54) with inscription-tablet surmounted by
skull in moulded frame with segmental top and flanked
by two female figures holding an anchor and cartouches
respectively and surmounted by entablature with
curved pediment, two 'putti' and cartouche-of-arms;
below tablet, moulded shelf on acanthus-leaf brackets
flanking cartouche with cherub-head, and later inscription to above-mentioned Elizabeth Abrahall who
erected the original monument. In nave—on sill of
middle window in N. wall, (5) two pieces of effigy
carved on slab in low relief, of figure wearing long
gown belted at waist and with hands crossed; probably
coffin-lid, 13th-century; (6) in recess S. side of chancel
arch, effigy of woman (Plate 43), carved in low relief
on tapering slab, wearing long pleated gown with belt
round waist and cloak fastened by buckle across throat;
hair bound with fillet and feet resting on grotesque
mask; figure set within trefoil-headed canopy resting
on slender shafts with defaced caps and bases and
with pinnacles terminating in crosses rising off capitals
of shafts; slab now broken and in two pieces, 13th-century. In churchyard—S. of porch (7) to James
Mayor, 1700, flat slab; (8) headstone with scroll top
and illegible inscription, late 17th-century; by S.
wall of nave, (9) to Henery Gammond, 1707, headstone with scroll top carved with foliage and carved
foliage at sides; N. of nave, (10) to Ann, daughter
of Thomas..., 1701, headstone; (11) to Penelope,
daughter of William and Mary Wiles, head-stone,
late 17th-century. Floor-slabs: In chancel—(1) to
Mary (Abrahall) wife first of Paul Abrahall and afterwards of Col. Jeremiah Bubb, Usher to William III,
and Governor of Carlisle, date hidden, late 17th or
early 18th-century; (2) to Mary Bubb, 1678, daughter
of above Mary and Jeremiah Bubb; also to Scudamore
Bubb, 1681, with lozenge-of-arms; (3) to G. A.
(George Abrahall), 1673, with shield-of-arms; (4) to
John Abrahall, 1703–4; (5) to Mary, wife of John
Abrahall, 1701, and others later; (6) to Richard
Abrahall, 1705–6, with shield-of-arms; (7) to Paul
Abrahall, 1675, with shield-of-arms and cartouches in
angles; (8) to William Apperley, 1647; (9) to Thomas
Apperley, 1679, with shield-of-arms; (10) to Susanna,
wife of Thomas Apperley, 1699, with lozenge-of-arms;
(11) to Joane, wife of William Apperley, 1643; (12) to
James Collins, 1683, Mary (Abrahall), his wife, 1701,
and others later. In nave—(13) to ... ce, relict of
James Collins, 1696; (14) to Elener, wife of Richard
Rideout, 1696; (15) to Robert Furney, c. 1700. Panelling: In W. tower—set in modern framing and re-used
as dado round side walls, 'linen-fold' panelling, early
16th-century. Piscina: In nave—in sill of easternmost window in S. wall, round sinking for piscina,
date uncertain. Plate: includes a cup of 1656,
with baluster-shaped stem, and a stand-paten of 1691.
Pulpit: hexagonal on plan with sides panelled in
two heights with continuous vertical fluting round
lower part and upper part with round-arched panels
with arabesque enrichment with scrolls above, fluted
cornice and projecting shelf carried on shaped brackets
at the angles, c. 1620–30. Recess: In nave—in E.
wall on S. side of chancel arch, with moulded jambs
and four-centred depressed ogee and cinque-foiled
head; in back of recess, moulded shelf and two
brackets, one rectangular with sinking in top, the
other semi-octagonal, late 14th-century. Screen: Under
chancel arch—in seven bays with the wide middle bay
hung with two-leaf doors; side bays divided horizontally by moulded rail with lower part filled in with
'linen-fold' panelling and faced on E. side with
modern casing; upper part open and divided by
hexagonal columns with moulded caps and bases and
shafts enriched with panels and varying patterns of
cheveron, lozenge and scale ornament; above shafts
intersecting semi-elliptical arches, forming two-centred
trefoiled arches to each bay with cusped spandrels;
lintel enriched on E. side with frieze of re-used brattishing and small trefoiled panels, and with projecting
canopy towards nave with fascia or carved frieze of
running vine; soffit divided into seven panels by
moulded ribs with carved bosses of foliage, human face
and hedge-hog; doors, each divided horizontally
by plain rail with lower panel of intersecting diagonal
framing with open panels and upper part of open panel
with semi-elliptical arched head springing from panelled
responds with carved cartouches above crown of arch,
plain roundels on spandrels on E. side and cherubs'
heads on W.; doors hung on heavy strap-hinges, with
large lock-plate and grating of spiked iron bars in
upper panels; early 16th-century with certain amount
of modern work and doors of c. 1660. Seating: In
chancel—four benches, with carved scrolls to tops of
ends, 16th-century with some modern repairs. Stoup:
In nave—by N. door, in shaped recess with broken
bowl, mediæval. Sundial: on apex of gable of S.
porch—in shape of a cube, with incised sundial with
gnomons on S. face and lozenge-shaped sinkings on E.
and W. faces with continuous but partly illegible inscription "The gift of Thomas... 1687."
Condition—Good.
Secular
b(2). Barn, on the W. side of the road, about 2 m.
E. of the church, is timber-framed with brick nogging
on a stone base; the roofs are covered with slate. It
is of late 17th-century date with a low modern addition
at the S.W. corner. The N. and S. walls have large
doorways extending from ground to eaves. Inside the
building the roof is divided into five bays with queenpost trusses with braced rafters.
Condition—Good, with some modern repair.
Monuments (3–5)
The following monuments are of the 17th century.
The walls are of local sandstone rubble and the roofs
are covered with stone-slates, slates or tiles. Inside
the buildings are some exposed ceiling-beams.
Condition—Good.
a(3). Court Farm, farmhouse at Hole-in-the-Wall, on
the S. bank of the River Wye, ¾ m. E.N.E. of the church,
is of two storeys with a basement and is built on a
rectangular plan with a later addition on the N.E. end.
In the W. wall of the basement is a small original
window with chamfered jambs and a square head.
a(4). Range of three tenements, 40 yards N.E. of (3),
is of one storey with attics. Some of the windows
retain their 17th-century frames.
a(5). Range of three tenements, immediately N.E. of
(4), is of two storeys. On the N. wall is the following
re-cut or modern inscription, "John Abrahall 1610."
Unclassified
a(6). Camp, in Camp Field, about ½ m. E. of the
church, is on the side of a hill with the ground sloping
down towards the River Wye on the N.W. It consists
of an L-shaped length of scarped hillside with the
arms projecting towards the N.E. and S.W., and apparently largely natural. Below the N.E. arm is a smaller
scarp, probably later in date and constructed in connection with a cart-track above it. Apart from the
fact that the locality of the work is traditionally called
"Camp Field," there is little definite evidence of the
existence of a camp.
Condition—Bad.
(7) Dyke, from the N.E. side of the Hereford-Ross
road, opposite Perrystone Court and travelling towards
the E. for approximately 500 yards. The remains consist of a bank with a ditch on the S. side, but the
middle portion now only shows a slight scarp without
a ditch. A very slight sinking for another 100 yards
eastwards to the parish boundary may indicate a further
line of dyke in this direction, and following the parish
boundary line from this point up the hillside for about
100 yards towards the S.E., is another line of ditch
and bank, the latter cut away on the inner side to
form a path.