Megan Barber, of the Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church project, describes the life of JA Sparks, whose research was instrumental in the church’s preservation programme.
JA Sparks
Joseph Alfred Sparks was MP for Acton and also a noted author and historian who conducted a vast amount of research on the Dunkeswell Abbey site and its history. His research also focused on Sheldon Church, which was owned by Dunkeswell Abbey prior to the Reformation and he wrote ‘A History of Sheldon’. In his book, ‘In the Shadows of the Blackdowns: Life at the Cistercian Abbey of Dunkeswell, 1201-1539’, he incorporates a detailed history of the Abbey to construct a comprehensive overview of the site and how it changed over time. Expanding on his initial research, Sparks has also explored the Simcoe’s involvement with the Abbey and the renovations which took place after the excavation of the Conventional Church in 1840. The Holy Trinity Church was built on the site in 1842.
His Research
His research on the Simcoe family, predominantly focused on the artwork of Elizabeth. Viewing the original material, Sparks produced multiple copies of the sketches, drawings and diagrams. These included:
- Foundations of the nave.
- Maps of the site and land.
- Sketches of Sheldon Church.
- The West frontage.
- Floor tiles.
- Stained glass window designs
He was present at a ceremony unveiling a plaque to Elizabeth in the church in 1972.
Sparks also included photographs of individual aspects of the Abbey, focusing on the stonework and exterior.
Founder-trustee of the Dunkeswell Abbey Preservation Fund
Joseph Alfred Sparks was a founder-trustee of the Dunkeswell Abbey Preservation Fund, set up in 1959. He became interested in starting an appeal for funds and the formation of a Preservation Trust after visiting his great-grandparents grave in the churchyard of the Holy Trinity Church in 1957. He was so concerned that such an historic treasure should be so little known by the public that he conducted extensive research on his return to London.
His contribution was monumental in kickstarting the preservation programme for the Church.
He died on 12 January 1981 in Brent, London.
Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church
The South West Heritage Trust is delighted to be working with the heritage consultancy Heritage Arts People on a project with Dunkeswell Abbey Church Trust, called Understanding Dunkeswell Abbey Church. The project, funded by the Pilgrim Trust, is exploring the history, current state and heritage significance of the 19th century church at Dunkeswell Abbey in Devon. Read more