In 1849 the tiny hamlet of Bracknell was growing and the
projected arrival of the railway was expected to attract even more
residents, bringing the population to over one thousand. There was
concern that these people had to worship in one of the parish
churches of Binfield, Warfield, Winkfield or Easthampstead, all
some distance away. It was decided to create a new parish centred
on Bracknell Street, which is the original name from which the
hamlet title came.
Land was sought in the vicinity to build a chapel of ease, and a
suitable site of open land was acquired at the back of the street.
The plot was part of land forming the grounds of the “Hinds
Head” Inn, and was purchased from the freeholder, Lord
Braybrooke, Lord of the Manor of Warfield. A public appeal for
funds was made and the site of 1 rood 25 perches area was bought at
a cost of £l28-6s-Od ( Lord Braybrooke received £120 and the
landlord of the inn, Richard Millard, received the balance as
copyholder.
The appeal for funds continued, architects Coo & Goodwin of
Sydenham were appointed and the project progressed so well that on
6th November the Bishop of Oxford, Samuel Wilberforce, (known as
‘Soapy Sam’ — but that’s another story),
laid the foundation stone. Work went ahead apace and the church, in
the ‘Early English’ pointed style, was completed by the
middle of the next year. The building, of local bricks faced with
knapped flints, has sandstone dressings and slate roof. It
originally comprised nave, chancel, transept and wood shingled
spire. The final cost, which was all raised from public
subscription, amounted to £1450. The design was very plain inside,
with plain glass, and there was seating for 300 (200 free, with pew
rents payable for the ‘best’ seats).
The Bishop of Oxford conducted the service of consecration on 26th
February 1851, and the first incumbent, Rev John Sabin, was
appointed. There have been eighteen incumbents to the present day.
Incidentally, the Bishop was son of William Wilberforce the well
known social reformer.
Firstly, go to N51 24.950 W0 44.811. Here you will find 12
digits. Label these A to L.
Secondly, go to N51 24.924 W0 44.804. Find the headstone that
relates to Mary Ann.
A date is referred to. Dec 14, MNOP.
The cache can be found at:
N51 (A+B)(L-M).(C+N)(D+E)(E+F),
W0 (J+K)(P+G).(O)(H+I+L)(O+M+D)
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