Rev. Matthias Candler

Matthias and Philip Candler were excellent genealogists, responsible for the Candler manuscripts which detail that branch of the Fiske family which sent many members to America to settle.

Extract from the "Nonconformist's Memorial, being an account of the Ministers who were ejected or silenced after the Restoration, &c."

"Coddenham, Mr Matthias Candler, sen., of Camb.  He had supplied this place many years, to the great advantage both of town and country; being an excellent preacher, full of useful matter, and very perspicuous. He was bold in his delivery, but decent, His voice was easy and natural. In former times great multitudes, far and near, flocked after his ministry, which was uncommonly useful. Neither was he less esteemed in those loose times, when men, "having itching ears, heaped up to themselves teachers" according to their humours. He still taught them the good old savory truths by which men may best get to heaven. He had one peculiar study and diversion that made him acceptable to gentlemen, which was heraldry and pedigrees. He was a fit man to have written the antiquities of his country. He was an early sufferer for Nonconformity under Bishop Wren. He died in the beginning of 1663."

Matthias Candler, BA, of Yoxford was instituted Rector of Coddenham in 1629. He married Anne Devereux, daughter of Rev Peter Devereux, Rector of Buxhall, on May 18, 1625. On a tablet in Coddenham Church is the following memorial to him:

"Solid in Divinitie
Laborious in's ministry
Heavenly in society
A mirror of sound piety."