Generations of infants have been baptised here, bringing them into membership of the family of the Church. As noted already, the font is carved from black Tournai marble. The other similar fonts in Hampshire are in Winchester Cathedral, East Meon and St Michael's, Southampton. It was probably brought over here in its finished state, possibly by the Norman Bishop of Winchester, Henri de Blois.
The base is modern, made in 1927 of the same marble - not without some hitches! The earliest base would have had four separate pillars around the central one. These may have been destroyed by puritans - one corner also bears the marks of rough usage. The earlier sandstone base is now outside the church, on the north side of the tower.
The carving is less intricate than the other local examples and has no figures. Two sides, east and south, have vines with bunches of grapes: this symbolises Christ, "I am the true vine" (John 15:1). On the other sides, are arcading of Norman arches, with four doves drinking out of two cups on the west side. This possibly symbolises the souls of the faithful receiving the Holy Sacrament On the north side are Fleur-de-lys - a symbol of purity. The top has drinking doves at die corners.

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Tiles by the Font