As I write, this is still in progress, but it is proving to be the most thorough cleaning that has been undertaken for a long time. The inky-black water pouring from washing-machines as curtains were cleaned makes one wonder how many years ago it was since some of them had their last wash. We now see them again in their original colours, and it is an amazing difference. Some parts of the church had apparently not been touched for nearly 60 years, but they were reached this time!

Seymour Harris found two tattered pages of “The Daily Telegraph” for Saturday, March 14, 1903, keeping out the draught from a ventilator shaft under the west window, where they had been doing their job undisturbed all these years.

The first article on the ‘Page for Women’ is entitled ‘Superfluous Wives,’ and deals with a remarkable decree issued by the Ameer of Afghanistan, “The people of His Highness’s turbulent capital,” we read, “on an early day in February last, were astonished by the appearance of criers who, by beat of drum, proclaimed it as the Ameer’s will that in future no Afghan should have more than four wives.” In another column there are descriptions of some of the most beautiful dresses worn at their Majesties’ first Court of the Season. And then, strangely enough, on the next page, among the small advertisements, two items concerning our own district:- Hampton-on-Thames. - To be Let or Sold, eight very attractive, newly-decorated, modern Villas, each containing two reception, four bedrooms, bath, and usual offices. Quiet and select. Close to station, electric trams, and Bushey Park. Rents £36. Price £500 each, 99 years’ lease. - Hughes and Hughes, Estate Agents, 23, Coleman-street, B.C. Tel.: 1417 London-Wall.

Hampton Hill. - To be Let, Semi-detached Villa, pleasant open situation, near Bushey Park and Thames. Five bedrooms, bathroom (H. & C.), two reception rooms, kitchen and offices. Garden, with lawn. Rent 40 guineas - Apply: 1 Chester-villas, Uxbridge-road, Hampton Hill. Thames Valley Line (L. and S.W.) or Tube and Tram.

These two advertisements are interesting side-lights on the change in property and land values in this area sincc the days of Edward the Peacemaker, and the difference in the worth of money.

Churches, as well as accumulating dust and dirt, also acquire a vast amount of junk as the years go by, put aside because ‘it might come in useful sometime.’ The spring-cleaners have been rightly ruthless in disposing of most of this. We are grateful to them all for this magnificent effort, and especially for the leadership and direction of Mrs. Mills.

Source: The Spire Magazine - 1961 April