Hope church

[goldie61]

Is there any kind Rootschatter who lives near Hope, Derbyshire?

The Bocking family lived in Hope for many, many years, and Thomas Bocking was the vicar there from about 1650 to 1671.
According to various sources, the 'fine pulpit' was carved in 1652, and it bears his name and the writing 'Clarke and teacher', (from what I can gather, probably inside the pulpit itself, but I'm interested in the carvings on the pulpit as well.)
He also had a carved, 'schoolmaster's', chair made which is dated 1664, which is now in the chancel.
One item I saw also says that 'oak panels in the north aisle are inscribed with the names of those who once sat in the adjoining pews.'
I know the Bocking family married into the Darwent/Derwent, Greaves, and Kirk families, so any glimpse of these would be very interesting.

I would love to see these these, but as I live overseas, (as far away as you can get!), this is not possible.
I've hunted and hunted on the web, but can't find any photos of them.

Would there be anyone who might be able to take a few photos?
I would be very grateful
Thanks very much

[Watson]

Sorry, the distance prevents me from taking photographs.

For information about Hope church, see  J.C. Cox, Notes on the Churches of Derbyshire, Vol. II, 1877, pp. 255-268.  There is specific reference to Thomas Bocking as a teacher and the inscription on the pulpit on page 262.

[goldie61]

Thanks Watson
Yes, I've seen this - this is where I read about it.

[Watson]

You didn't refer to it above.

[arthurk]

If no-one here can help, how about these folk?

https://hopehistoricalsoc.uk/

[maddys52]

Or you could contact the Church itself. They mention the pulpit and chair on their history page on the website.
https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/13180/get-in-touch/

[goldie61]

Thanks arthur and maddy.
I may well have to go down this route.

Several mentions of this chair and pulpit, but no pictures anywhere it seems! 

[Annie65115]

I recently tried to go into St Peter's (the church at Hope -- if you google for Hope Church you get a lot of pentecostal etc churches!). However its opening hours outside the service times are erratic and far from guaranteed. It was locked when I was there, much to the chagrin of a couple of American tourists who were also hoping to get in!

I think your best bet will indeed be to try to get hold of someone from thechuch or the local history society, because there's no saying that it would ever be possible to catch the church randomly open to take some photos.

[goldie61]

Thanks Annie.
I know it's a shame churches feel they have to lock their doors these days. Frustrating for you.

I have written to the Hope history society. No reply yet, but it's only been a few days.
Fingers crossed!