Broughton Astley once possessed a large rectory comprising of some thirty rooms (which included eleven bedrooms), and outbuildings.
The grand entrance hall had an imposing sweeping staircase as the centre piece of the house. This was demolished in the 1950s, and the rectory that took its place and the houses in Old Rectory Close were built in the early 60's.
Relics of the former rectory include the walled garden which was kept as the boundry for the houses in Old Rectory Close backing onto the stream. The house on Old Rectory Close called "The Moat House" marks the site of the former moat in the rectory grounds. There was also a gatehouse cottage, roughly where number 24 stands today.
The path leading away from the south porch of the church now heads straight into a solid wall. In the days of the original rectory, that would be the regular route in and out of the church for the incumbant and his verger.
The second rectory was itself demolished, and the present rectory built next to the church in 1990.
The earliest documented reference to a Rector seems to be that of William de Estley in 1220. (see below for full list)
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One of the most notable was Dr Francis White, who became Rector in 1627. In 1628 he became Bishop of Norwich and in 1631, he was made Bishop of Ely. He died in February 1637 and was buried in the old St Paul's Cathedral in London. St Mary's parish records confirm that Dr White's son Daniell was baptised on 11th August 1629. In 1636, it is recorded that 'Francis White Sonne of Francis White Lord Bisshipe of Eille buried January the 10th' |
There are three stones in the churchyard remembering past Rectors. Against the North wall of the tower is a stone dedicated to Revd Thomas Greaves. This is flanked on each side by those of two of his sons. These were originally located in the tower on the south wall. They were removed to allow the floor of the ringing chamber to be built in 1972. These tell an interesting story........
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The wording on the stones follow: "In memory of the Revd Thomas Greaves, for 28 Years Rector of this Parish: Also an acting Justice of the Peace for the County of Leicester: He died the 21st day of August 1806 Aged 72. In the discharge of his duties as a Clergyman and a Magistrate, he was faithful, zealous and active to the poor, he was a protector; and ever ready to afford his Assistance to all who needed it: He was beloved and revered by his family friends and parishioners: And was truely respected by all who knew him. His death was much and sincerely lamented. Also in Memory of FRANCES his Wife Youngest Daughter of the Revd JOHN LIPTROTT late Rector of this Parish - she died on the 25th day of Nov 1811 aged 74. Her piety, benevalence and cheerful disposition were eminently conspicuous Her life was spent in doing good; The close of it was afflicted with long and painful sufferings which she bore with Christian fortitude, patience and resignation. In this Parish she will long remembered with esteem and affection." |
"In memory of JAMES BEXWORTH GREAVES son of the Revd Thos Greaves and Frances his Wife, Lieutenant in the 3d Regt Native Infantry in the Service of the Honourable East India Company at Madrass. In 1801 for his Services in the defence of a fort, he was appointed Quarter Master of Brigade to the Detachment and Aid-de-camp to Adjutt Genl Lieutt Coll Agnew. He died in the East Indies the 22d January 1802 in the 21st year of his age. In his short military Career his humanity as well as bravery was conspicuous, At Panjalamcourchy he was severely wounded in rescuing a disabled Soldier from the hands of the enemy. He was sincerely a Christian. The esteem and most marked Confidence of his Commanding Officers and the strong Testimony borne by them to his good Conduct and Military Acquirements prove how bright a lustre true Religion throws over the Profession of a Soldier and how powerfully it commands the Esteem of real Judges of Merit"
"SACRED to the memory of William Dodd Greaves son
of the Revd Thos Greaves late Rector of this Parish: Who having faithfully
discharged the duties of his station, as a Surgeon, on the Madras Medical Establishment
for sixteen years, which gain'd the affectionate respect of all who knew him; and after a
painful Illness of eight years, which he bore with the pious resignation of a follower of
Christ departed this life (at Seringapatam) the 29th of March 1816 Aged 39 Years and left
an afflicted Wife and five Children, to lament the loss of a tender and affectionate
Husband and Father.
The tribute offer'd to departed worth,
Holds up example for our guide on earth
Point to the spirit in the realms above
And draws the living to a God of love."
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Another stone in the Churchyard bears the simple inscription: "SACRED TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVD HENRY FREER RADFORD RECTOR OF THIS PARISH 1854 - 78. BORN MARCH 27. 1825 DIED FEBRUARY 6 1878" |
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The third stone in memory of past Rectors has the following inscription: "In ever loving Memory of BERTRAM William Machin, rector of this Parish 1921 - 1930 died May 4th 1930 and of his beloved wife Nora Annie Machin died March 6th 1970. I am the resurrection and the life!!" |
Here is the list of Rectors that appears on the above board situated in the church:
Willliam de Estley |
1220 |
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| Robert de Berford | ||
| Robert Gilbert | 1416 |
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| Robert de Kyrton | 1420 |
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| Thomas Broke | 1448 |
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| John Stooke | 1449 |
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| John Ronson | 1534 |
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| Henry Jervis | 1587 |
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| Francis White | 1627 |
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| John Prestgate | 1640 |
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| William Cotton | 1654 |
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| John Twells | 1714 |
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| John Liptrott | 1727 |
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| Thomas Greaves | 1778 - 1806 |
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| John Liptrott | 1814 - 1849 |
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| John Raven | 1849 - 1853 |
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| Henry Radford | 1854 - 1878 |
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| G. D. Armitage | 1878 - 1901 |
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| Wilfred Hodges | 1901 - 1921 |
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| Bertram Machin | 1921 - 1929 |
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| H. T. Wheeler | 1929 - 1935 |
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| Charles A. Turner | 1935 - 1962 |
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| Norman L. Hewitt | 1963 - 1973 |
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| Peter E. Hancock | 1973 - 1986 |
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| Peter Burrows | 1987 - 2000 |
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| David Shaw | 2002 - |
