The oldest parts of the church date from no earlier than the 12th century but its proximity to what is now Langham Hall suggest that it stands on the site of a Saxon foundation. It would be logical to think that the adjacent Church Farm was the parsonage but in fact the parsonage was on a separate manor to the south at what is now Glebe Farm.
The painter, John Constable, lived near here and often sat at the top of this tower to do his work.
The walls of the church are mostly of pebble-rubble with much iron pudding-stone in the extended chancel; dressings are of limestone. Parts of the north wall of the chancel and nave are of 12th century construction, while the lower part of the tower is 13th century. Early in the 14th century the whole church was remodelled: the chancel was extended and its arch widened asymmetrically to meet the splayed south wall.
There are six bell which are regularly rung:
Treble (Note E) J.Taylor, Loughborough 1837
2nd (Note D) Thomas Mears, London 1801
3rd (Note C) Thomas Mears, London 1842
4th (Note B) Miles Graye I ("the prince of founders") Colchester 1618
5th (Note A) John Warner, London(recast) 1882
Tenor (Note G) John Waylet and J.Taylor, Loughborough (recast) 1906
In the north west corner of the churchyard there is a well proportioned little building erected by Dr Hurlock (Curate 1803-31 and Rector 1831-47) in 1832. Originally a girl's school on weekdays and a resting place for the poor and infirm between services on a Sunday, it was used as a Sunday School room until the late 1950s.
It is a lovely tranquil spot, with the Essex Way passing through. Take time to go and have a look around the Church, it is normally open, and you may bump into Jerry the Church cat, just remember to make sure he is out of the Church before you leave!
The Church is accessed down a track, I have created a way-point for the start.
Please do not attempt to access from the other way, as this is private.
Due to the location I would ask that you please do not attempt this one in the dark.
If anybody would like to expand to this series please do, I would just ask that you could let Sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
To view the church micro stats page, please click here.