One of the most ornate artefacts in the Abbey Church is a magnificent brass chandelier which hangs in the nave and is therefore seen by all who enter, the regular congregation, brides at weddings and mourners at funerals, and is not only a decorative feature but also a fitting adornment for all services and ceremonial occasions.

It has branches for 24 candles which are lit at festivals, particularly at Christmas, and this produces a splendid sight over the worshipping congregation.

The chandelier was donated to the church by Matthew Clay, a local landowner, in 1742 to the memory of his daughter who died at the age of 22 and the orb has an appropriate inscription around the base:

The Gift of Matthew Clay Of Bourn Gent
In Memory Of Ann Clay His Daughter
Who Dyed In The 22 Year Of Her Age 1st March 1742
Her Piety And Virtue
The Last Day Will Manifest

The chandelier is identical to one in West Deeping church which also dates from the early 18th century and the two are therefore almost certainly the work of the same craftsman.

It is made of brass and therefore requires constant cleaning but in view of its position, suspended on a chain from the roof of the nave, this is a daunting task for all but the experts and as professional help would be costly, church helpers complete the task themselves three times a year.

Each time, the chandelier is lowered to a working height within reach of a tower, or portable scaffolding, 20 feet high from where it can be dismantled and each piece is then handed down to a band of waiting ladies who are ready with their polish and dusters. The cleaned sections are then handed back and replaced and the gleaming chandelier slowly returned to its lofty position above the nave.