St Mary's of Little Parndon, Harlow, Essex

History

The church of ST. MARY, which stands north of Elizabeth Way, near Parndon mill, was rebuilt in 1868. The previous church, on the same site, was a small building comprising nave and chancel in one, north vestry, south porch, and western bell turret. The east window probably dated from the 14th century. A writer of c. 1830 described it as a 'miserable structure'. In 1868 it was declared to be 'rude and dilapidated' and insufficient for the needs of the parish. It was indeed very small: in 1851 there were only 80 seats.

The new church, designed by Joseph Clarke, diocesan architect, in the Decorated style is slightly longer than the old one, on a similar plan, but with an apsidal chancel. The cost was met mainly by the patron, L. W. Arkwright. The building is of flint rubble with stone dressings, with a brick and timber bell turret. Fittings preserved from the old church include a 14thcentury piscina, a bell of c. 1630, a silver paten of 1569 and a cup probably of the same date. There are tablets to Sir Edward Turnor (d. 1676) and to the family of Edward Parson (d. 1780). The grave of Hester Woodley (d. 1767), the Parsons' Negro servant, is marked by a headstone outside the south door.

The Cache

You’re looking for a 35mm film canister. The cache has a log book but no pen so please bring one with you.

Notes

Parking is available along Parndon Mill Lane, where the church is situated.

Please note: Services are held here every sunday at 9:30am and every second sunday at 5:00pm, so it may be best to avoid these times, unless you would like to join the service.

Church Micro Series

If any body would like to expand to this series please do, could you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.