GREGORY STONE: Of CAMBRIDGE
Brother of Simon. Dwelt at Watertown a year or two. Had a grant of land there, made Freeman 25 May 1636. Wife LYDIA, formerly widow Cooper. Died 30 November 1672, age 80.
SIMON & GREGORY STONE'S CHURCH IN ESSEX, ENGLAND
St. George's Church in Great Bromley, Essex was the church where Gregory and Simon and many other Stones were baptized and married and buried. There are some wonderful pictures of it posted here . The spectacular double hammerbeam roof-ceiling is in need of repair, and this link includes information on making tax-deductible contributions (for both US and UK residents) for this worthwhile project.
Hammerbeam construction connotes the horizontal projection of the roof beam from the wall, braced by a strut that rests on wall posts. A vertical post from the end of the beam projects upward, meeting the rafters; another curves over the open space and comes down on the hammer beam on the opposite side. A double hammerbeam system adds a second row of horizontal beams with their upper and lower braces. The purpose of this is to transfer the thrust to the walls, but the visual result alone would make it worthwhile, even if it were only decorative, not structural. Take a look at the photos and all will become clear!
July 2002
