| Ref No | GB0353SA/3 |
| Title | Pew Controversy |
| Description | A collection of letters, pamphlets, poems, songs and tracts relating to the dispute over the removal of the pews in St Andrews church by Rev. John Moore Heath in 1853 |
| Admin History | By the mid 19th Century the interior of St Andrews Church was cluttered with box pews. The Reverend John Moore Heath (1808-1882) who was appointed Vicar in 1844 was very high church and out of step with the majority of the members of the Enfield Vestry. He hired workmen to remove the pews secretly during the night of 11th October 1853. The next Vestry was so fraught that the Vicar had to climb out of a window and run across the bowling green to find safety in the Grammar School. The whole scheme was hugely controversial. Many pamphlets and letters were published. Fights broke out at another meeting. The issue was eventually resolved on 27th May when it was agreed that new pews would be provided. Heath agreed to abide by the terms of the faculty and not to make any alterations to the chancel. |
| Date | 1853 - 1859 |
| Physical Description | 27 booklets, and printed papers |