Mono Monday :: Ancient Building :: mm56

‘Bold As Brass’ is buried here.

In my immediate area there are many old buildings that date back hundreds of years. Most are homes now but may have been the old bakers, post office or even a smithy.

Traditionally the oldest building in the community tends to be the Parish Church. My local Parish Church is St Martins of Tours.

‘The earliest parts of the current church building were constructed in the 12th century. A tower and chapel were added in the 13th century, a porch in the 15th century, the current clergy vestry in the 19th century…’

Between 1974 and 2011 the local priest was Canon Virgo who, whilst attending a local consultation meeting for the building of the M25 motorway, jumped onto the delegates desk to protest! Had he taken this bold as brass attitude from the forefathers of the church?

'As Bold as Brass' is a well known saying but does not appear to make sense unless you realise that the Brass refers to Brass Crosby. Alderman Crosby was Lord of the Manor of Chelsfield (he lived next door in Court Lodge), Lord Mayor of London and champion of the Liberty of the press. In the late 1700's he was imprisoned in the Tower of London after demanding that the minutes of Parliament be published. Public support led to his release and the formation of Hansard hence the saying 'As bold as Brass'.  Brass Crosby is buried in the church yard and a memorial to is on the north aisle wall. A Blue Plaque is on a post at the end of the Church drive. A church extension is also named after him.

Thanks to JoanneInOz for running this months Mono Monday. March will be hosted by Chantler63. She has set “On the Move” as next weeks theme (mm57).

This is my 23rd consecutive mono for my Mono Month Challenge (MMC).


MMC #23 :: Ancient Building :: mm56