The petitioners sought to relocate the fifteenth-century octagonal stone font from the west end of the Grade I listed church, where it impeded ramped access and obstructed activities such as ‘Messy Church’, to the east end by the chancel steps. In light of the architect's evidence, supported by the archdeacon and the Diocesan Advisory Committee, and unopposed by the conservation societies, it was held that relocating the font would have no impact on the historical significance of the church. The font was not in its original location, having been moved in 1973, and its relocation to the chancel steps would enhance rather than harm its aesthetic appreciation. It was noted that according to Canon F 1, save in exceptional circumstances, fonts should stand near the entrance to a church. However, the font was not in its original mediaeval position, would be more visible if relocated by the chancel, was crowded by the disabled access and was not in ‘spacious’ or ‘well-ordered surroundings’, as also required by Canon F 1. These factors constituted exceptional circumstances justifying departure from the norm of locating the font by the church entrance. The commissary general also expressed concern about the current use of a portable font and reviewed the authorities about the use of multiple fonts within a church. While not imposing a condition that use of the portable font should cease, she advised the parochial church council to reflect on the practice and to discuss it with the archdeacon. [Catherine Shelley]