St Nicholas Chapel - Creation
When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honour. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!
Look up at the Maskelyne family memorials high up on the east wall. The Maskelynes were Purton landowners for over 300 years. There are also two wall paintings which still need further cleaning work. It is probable that these are scenes from the life of Mary mother of Jesus.
Anecdote
The memorials commemorate members of the Maskelyne family, the most important being the Rev Dr Nevil Maskelyne who became the 5th Astronomer Royal in 1765. Born in Kensington, he attended Westminster School and Cambridge University. From an early age Nevil was determined to become an astronomer. Appointed Astronomer Royal by George III in 1765, he lived in Greenwich until he died in 1811, spending annual holidays with his brother at The Ponds, Purton Stoke, one of the family properties he later inherited. Nevil’s considerable achievements made him a leading scientist of the 18th century. He was buried in the churchyard 46 years later and his restored tomb can be seen by the south door, as you leave St Mary’s. See the plaque by the tomb for more information.
Bible Reading
