In all probability there was a Saxon Church on the present site but the oldest part of the Church now standing is the massive tower, nearly 28 feet (9 metres) square on the outside. It was erected before the year 1200 at a time when round Norman arches were giving way to the pointed style. It is said to have been the gift of a wealthy parishioner, Henry de Cornhill.
The Church, built at the same time as the Tower, consisted of the present nave, without side aisles, and a small chancel. The foundations of that building were revealed during the Victorian restoration. The south aisle and arcade were added in the 13th century; and, about the year 1340, the north aisle and arcade were added, and the chancel enlarged to its present size. The later date of the north arcade is evidenced by the octagonal pillars with their delicately moulded capitals.
The building was extensively restored between 1874 and 1876, when the vicar’s vestry and organ chamber were added on the south side of the chancel. An early 14th century window from the south side of the chancel was reset as the east window of the vestry.
Before this 19th century restoration the building was in a bad state of repair, particularly the chancel. It had been used as a school for some time and had then become derelict.
Wethersfield Church is fortunate in having two porches. The one to the South Door dates from the late 14th or early 15th century. It was restored in 1986, The North Porch, built later, was rebuilt in brick in 1750.
Patrick Bronte served his first curacy in Wethersfield from 1806 to 1808. He lived in St George’s House, which still stands opposite the Church. He moved to Yorkshire where Branwell, Emily Anne and Charlotte were born.
In order to find this cache you will need to visit the church gates (leading to the porch) There you will find something that will enable you to locate the final hiding place.
The cache can be found at:
3 (T)(K) (T)(D).(B-Y)(J)(F-G) 14 (U-M) (U)(H+L).( V+K)(S)(C+P)
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.com.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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