CLENT HISTORY SOCIETY PRESENT SHIELDS TO CLENT PARISH HALL
Nine Worthies of Clent – Shields
On the 8th July 2013 Clent History Society presented 10 shields with Coats of Arms painted them bearing the Arms of the Nine Worthies of Clent, They have, with the blessing of the Trustees been fixed in Clent Parish Hall. The nine worthies are a Medieval conceit, comprising three figures from the Old Testament (Joshua, King David and Judas Maccabeus), Three classical warriors (Hector of Troy, Alexander the Great and Julius Caesar) and three Christians (King Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon- though in England this last was often replaced by his Crusading counterpart, Richard Coeur-de-lion). The names of the families whom these shields represent are families who have contributed to the life of the village over many generations- Cox 1630-1705, Amphlett 1656-1705, Waldron 1697-1764, Durrant, Crompton-Roberts 1832-1891, Amphlett 1845-1918, Chance 1854-1933, Todd 1871-1954, Wilson 1901-1985.
The 10th shield is that of Clent History Society and their crest is the one shown on Clent Fairings (souvenirs sold to visitors of Clent), The society adopted it in 1985 when founding Chairman Mr John Partington retired from his post as Headmaster of Clent Village School and it was John’s long held ambition that Clent should have it’s own History Society. John remained Chairman until 2007 when he stood down and local man Paul Timmins took over as Chairman and still is today. The History Society committee and it’s members, past and present are all responsible for the promotion and unve iling of Clent’s wonderful history for everyone to enjoy, That is why this crest is placed alongside the Nine Clent Worthies.
This project has only been possible because of the Expert knowledge from Mr Ralph Brocklebank, a local Heraldist and Historian, Ralph researched and came up with the names of the nine families who could qualify along with their coats of arms and craftsman sign-writer Mr Dave Perks from Stourbridge (signs and symbols) did all the artwork, Chairman Paul Timmins fitted them to the Corbels of the Hall and they look absolutely fantastic, a real addition to the Hall.
Representatives from the Parish Council, Trustees to the hall, Clent Church and present day homeowners of the worthies were amongst the people present at our celebration, We hope that everyone who uses Clent Parish Hall will enjoy looking at them and information about the shields are on the notice board.
Clent History Society – John Partington (founder), Pat woodward, Andrew Sherry,Irene Rudge, Ralph Brocklebank, Dave Perks, Carole Hodgson,Margaret Hathaway,front row, Paul Timmins (Chairman)
