.
The
present church is largely the work of John de
Grandisson, Bishop of Exeter (1312-1369), who built it
in 1342, as a “Collegiate Church”, on the lines of
the Cathedral. This accounts for its large size for a
relatively small town. The north Dorset aisle was
added about 1520, since then there have been no
additions, although most of the peripheral buildings, have long since gone.
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Ottery St Mary not only has a Church
like a Cathedral but also has a 'Mini Cathedral Organ'. Although the
Church doesn't have a long echo the stone vaulting make the instrument
sound really grand in our Church.
Professor Ian Tracey from Liverpool Cathedral is a regular visitor to
Ottery and this year, 2005 we heard his 25th Annual Recital attended
by a large audience. Ian has a great following in Ottery and as one of
the worlds top organists we are very honoured to have had so many
visits from him. Others who have played it publicly or for pleasure
include: Noel Rawsthorne (Ian Tracey's predecessor at Liverpool), Dr
Roy Massey (Hereford Cathedral) Paul Morgan from our own Cathedral in
Exeter,
Dr Lionel Dakers formerly organist at Exeter Cathedral, Henry
Ley, who retired to a house close to Ottery and many others.
Although of no one particular 'pedigree' the instrument is considered
to be one of the most exciting in the area. The Organ receives about
four tunings a year although as the resident organist is an organ
builder and tuner it frequently receives extra 'tickle ups' before and
after services.
It has two manuals and Pedals packed into two oak cases divided either
side of the Chancel Known as a Little Giant it was described by an
eminent Cathedral Organist as ' A Two Manual that thinks itself a Four
Manual!'
With modern technology and the aid of a MIDI DAte File the organists
notes can be captured on disc and played back at the push of a button.
A modern version of the Pianola mechanism!
If there any stops that you've never heard of, or wonder what they are, go to:www.organstops.org
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