The Izard Family.
There are several memorials to members of the Izard family in St. Mary’s. An old family, with
records going back to 1722, the name means mountain goat!
The Reverend William Chantler Izard, M.A.. was Rector from 1865 to 1896. The left-hand
stained glass window in the chancel is dedicated to him and his wife. He had been born in
Brighton and was headmaster of Stepney Grammar School from 1850 – 1865.
In 1865 William Joshua Tilley (East window memorial) William C. Izard’s father-in-law had
bought the advowson (with right of presentation) of Slindon so, obviously was happy to
install his son-in-law. Perhaps nepotism existed then as now. W.C. Izard bought the
advowson from William Tilley’s other son-in-law, James Shand and the Izard family have
remained patrons to the present time (now jointly with the Bishop of Chichester). The central
section of the East window is in memory of W.C. Izard’s parents, William and Rhoda.
W.C. Izard was responsible for the re-ordering of the church in 1866, started a church choir
and installed the organ and a fourth bell. He was also instrumental in founding the National
school for Anglican children, built on a paddock he owned. A pleasant fact is that the little
bookstand in the sanctuary, which is used on the altar, was made by his son in 1866, when
he was fourteen. One can imagine him in his woodwork class adding to his father’s work in
the church.
After William’s death his second son, Arthur became Rector and remained so until his own
death in 1919. He and his wife, Susanna Churton, had seven children, 3 sons and 4
daughters. They were a very musical family and all the girls played an instrument. Several of
the offspring moved abroad, but Jane remained unmarried and lived at Church House,
opposite the church until her death in 1970 at the age of 87. She is fondly remembered in the
village for playing the organ, running the Sunday school and teaching children the piano.
Arthur’s youngest son, Henry became a Barrister and District Commissioner in Kenya.
On his retirement he returned to Slindon and built Pond House, which involved pulling down
two cottages, an action not approved by all the villagers. His grandson still lives here. It was
hoped by the family that his son, The Rev. Robin Izard would become Rector but, sadly an
accident in Kenya left him in poor health. However when a service was held in 1966 to
commemorate the re-ordering of the church 100 years before, he was able to preach the
sermon, a touching link with his great- grandfather.
You will find other memorials to members of the family as you walk round the church. A
family tree is available if you want to sort out relationships further.
The Izard family have been important in the life of Slindon, and especially in all they did for
this church. It is great that the youngest member comes regularly to the children’s services.