In all probability
the church dates back a thousand years, for the Domesday Book
records a priest in residence in 1086. Parts of the
north wall date from the 11th century, and the rest of
the original nave and chancel are early 12th
century. The south chancel chapel is 15th century
and remodelled in 1622. Some fine 17th century oak
panels enclose the south chapel, which serves as a vestry for the
choir and the clergy. The south door is oak of the
17th century. The alms box nearby is of a pattern
ordered by mandate of Henry II in 1166 and is probably
17th century also. On the south wall is a monument
to the brothers William and Ralph Freman; Sir Ralph was Lord
Mayor of London before 1634. The south porch, built in 1526
with small open windows, now has the spaces fitted with stained
glass of the four evangelists by Morris and Co: perhaps the last
Pre-Raphaelite glass. The embattled tower is of late
14th century with a spike of 1721.
The Clifford tomb in
the south chapel is made from purbeck marble. Sir Robert
Clifford, through his wife Elizabeth, owned the Manor
of Aspenden and was 'Knight to the Body' to Henry VII.
His name was linked with the Perkin Warbeck plot against the
King. One writer suggests that the plot was crushed on
information received from Sir Robert for which he received
£500. In any event, he was pardoned and remained in royal
favour until his death in 1508.
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.