St Michaels - the most remarkable thing about this mellow
red-brick church with its characteristic crow-stepped gables and
straight-headed windows is its date of 1563, five years after the
accession of Elizabeth I! It is believed to be the only church
built in Essex in the reign of Elizabeth I and the first purpose
built Church of England Church. It was consecrated in 1564.
The Old Church of St.Michaels (refer to Bonus Cache GC1KFPD) was
not completely wasted. A large part of the new church was furnished
with that of the old. The pillars between the nave and chancel are
most definitely those from the original building for they have been
scrawled on and some of the writing has been positively dated
between 1450 and 1500. Also moved, were the roof structures over
the nave and chancel, some fragments of stained glass windows, the
14th century font in the perpendicular style and one of the old
bells.
The church is open during day-light hours and is regularly
visited with people from as far afield as the United States,
Australia and New Zealand recording their visits in recent years.
Local rambling societies and individual walkers appreciate a
peaceful stop-over on their walks round this typical Essex village.
The provision of free refreshments in the church is much
appreciated.
The log book includes the coordinates for the start of the trail
to the bonus cache.
There is easy parking near the entrance to the church.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
If anybody would like to expand on this series please do so. Could
you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of
the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------