The Font, which is Norman and cylindrical and plain, is the glory of the Church. During the restoration in 1887 it was removed from the South West corner under the tower to its present position just inside the main door. We should remember that the Prayer Book rubric in the Baptismal Service for infants still permits the Minister to dip the child in the water discreetly and warily (" if the Godparents shall certify to him that the child may well endure it."). Since at least 1763 (the date on the silver Christening Bowl) most Barton parents have regarded their child as weak, so that it shall suffice to pour water upon it! This Baptismal Bowl is a fine piece of plate. On the front are engraved the arms of the See of Rochester. As many parents know, it is still in use today.
The earliest fonts were not provided with covers, but in the 13th century the Archbishop ordered that font covers with some means (usually an iron strap with staples and lock) be provided to prevent removal of water which had been blessed and left in the font, for superstitious people thought that the water contained magical power. During the time of Cromwell, many of these covers were forcibly ripped off, and often the stone damaged. Marks can be seen on St Botolph's font, where portions of damaged stone have been repaired.
