The
Domesday Plaque
 To commemorate the entry of Hampstead Norreys in
the Domesday Book, in May 2007, the Heritage Group agreed to commission a plaque to celebrate this unique
event. A huge amount of planning and thought went into choosing the correct site, style of plaque and the
wording, which would best reflect the project and the village’s heritage.
English Heritage were very helpful, with regards to the best materials to use and the
craftsman who could undertake the work. Permission was kindly given by the owners of ‘The Littens’ to erect the
plaque on the church side of their garden wall but because the wall is a Grade II Listed structure ‘Listed Building
Consent’ was required and this was successfully obtained in October 2007.
The Project
 Once the site had been chosen, it became
apparent that it was of the upmost importance to ensure that the plaque could be seen from all aspects of
approach. The wall on which it was to be placed is at the junction of the three footpaths, intersecting the
churchyard but also visible from the main road. After a great deal of research a 15” Wedgwood blue ceramic
plaque, with white lettering, was felt to be the most appropriate. One of the two craftsmen, that English
Heritage use, was chosen and the order was placed in March 2008.
The installaton of a plaque into a Grade II listed structure is a
very delicate and skilled task. The work began in July 2008 with a wooden template of mthe plaque being made and
this pattern was used to chisel out a 2" deep circular hole. A mixture of lime free mortar was then used to line
the hole before a set of English coins was placed into the cement as a historic "Time Capsule". This, hopfully,
might be opened by people in the future and will give a small insight into the life of Hampstead Norreys in the
year 2008.
| The
correct position was of the utmost importance to ensure it could be seen from all aspects of
approach. The wall choasen is at the junction of the three footpaths intersecting the churchyard
but is also visible from the main road. |
Filling the hole with lime free mortar prior to a set of English cions being set
into the mixture. |
The plaque was laid flush with the wall before the finishng work was
completed. |
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Revd. Tony Lynn
and
Mr. Richard Benyon MP
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The
Unveiling
On the 19th October 2008, following a short service in St. Mary's Church, at which
many local dignatories were present, the plaque was officilly unveilled by Mr. Richard Benypn
MP.
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Local Dignatries leaving St Mary's Church
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Local Villagers watching the unveiling
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