By Isle of Wight Observer
One of the final jobs completed as part of the ‘Revitalising the Minster’ project, at Newport Minster, was the repair of the original wooden stand that holds the parish chest.
Thomas Cromwell introduced compulsory parish registers in England and Wales in 1538, requiring clergy to record weekly baptisms, marriages, and burials in a secure book, which would have been kept in this locked chest.
The chest was moved during building works at Newport Minster, when it was discovered the stand needed repairs before it could safely support the weight of the historic piece.
“It seems fitting that one of the final pieces of work to complete the project was the restoration of one of the oldest features in the building,” said Hannah Griffiths, community engagement co-ordinator.
The work was carried out by local woodturner, Andy Fortune, and paid for by the late Paul Gustar, reflecting his long-standing passion for the history of the church.
