In the west end of the isle is a small but exceeding strong vestry, it having been the repository for the relicks, plate, evidences, and ornaments of the church, at which no one could heretofore come, without passing eleven locks; a plain demonstration that there hath been plate of good value, though now [1736] there is only one cup left.
On an altar monument by the south chancel wall in the churchyard:
Here lieth the Body of Mr.
John Barker, who was Curate Here from July the 7th 1681 untill Augt. the 2d 1685, from that Time Rector, until March the 13th 1728–9, then deceased, A good Christian, and one of the best of Husbands; Aged 72 Years.
Mrs. ELIZABETH BARKER, Widow. died Oct. the 2d, 1731.
Who by Will settled a Tenement & Lands, lying in Brisingham, upon the Rector & Church-wardens, and their Successors. The clear Profitts of which, are to be applied, in teaching as many poor Children of that parish above 8, and under 10 Years old, to read, write, spin, and learn the Church Catechism, as the Profitts will pay for; She also tied her House and Land, called ten Acres, to keep up this tomb, on failure of which, the Church-wardens of Fersfield are impowered to seize on the same, and repay themselves what Monies they shall be out of, in Repairing and Beautifying it, together with their Charges.
There are several head-stones for the Howchins, who had a good estate in the parish; the family extinguished in Mr. Robert Howchin, who died Apr. 10, 1717.
In the time of the rebellion, this church was purged of superstition, (as they called it,) by the rebels, who defaced the carvings on the heads of the seats, with their swords, and hacked the effigies, of the Boises; what few brasses there were, were all reaved, and several arms broken out of the windows, and the altar rails pulled down: the Evidences, the King's arms, &c. were taken away before by Mr. Piddock the church-warden, who justly returned them at the Restoration.
In 1658, Henry Clark of Diss, George Francis, and Robert Skurle of Fersfield, informed against Arthur Womack, rector of Fersfield, Mr. John Piddock, and Mr. Robert Howchin, of the same, charging them with endeavouring to prepare, at their cost, a horse and man for the King of Scots, (as King Charles was then commonly called,)
