Archaeologia Cantiana Vol. 14 -1882  page 24

Smarden Church by the Rev  Francis  Haslewood

Sedilla, Piscina, ow-side-Windon & Perfusorium

The masonry over the sedilia has an unfinished appearance, and as some embattled stones were discovered in the sepulchre when opened, possibly they originally formed part of the sedilia, which, if so, must have resembled those at Willesborough. A little to the right of sedilia is a circular stone bracket, and another on the opposite wall to correspond. They may have been intended for lamps or images. THE DOG WHIPPER.    Perhaps the Altar Rails were made of their present height, and so enclosed, to exclude the canine race; which in olden time must have been very numerous (no dog tax being imposed till 1796), for in the church book are frequent references to an official known as a dog whipper; thus:—

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