Fontbase 2.011/14/2023 ![]() ![]() The general shape of the fonts is a circular-rimmed chalice-like bowl joined to its base by a band, often carved as a rope. It is thought that the craftsmen responsible for their carving probably worked - or were trained - at St Albans Abbey, as carvings at that cathedral, notably on a late C12th doorway, resemble some of the carvings found on the fonts. The finest four examples are considered to be the ones at Aylesbury, Great Kimble, Houghton Regis and Weston Turville. Also the Dinton font is thought to be of a somewhat later date. They date from around the end of the C12th making them about 800 years old - though a few have been re-cut at a later date, and the example at Wing retains only its base. The fonts get their name from the example at St Mary's church in Aylesbury - the name probably being selected for three reasons - that Aylesbury is by far the biggest and most well-known town that the example there is a particularly good one and finally that Aylesbury is reasonably central to the area where they are found. Note: The number of these fonts is reckoned as either 22 or 23 as the example at Wing retains only its base. There is a separate shared description about the churches that house these fonts here Link There are thought to be 22 (or 23) so-called "Aylesbury" fonts to be found in the three adjacent counties of Buckinghamshire (17 fonts + 1 base), Bedfordshire (3) and Northamptonshire (2).
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