The church of St. Denis (or St. Denys) is a Grade II listed building of stone in the Early English style, consisting of chancel, nave, north and south porches and a western tower containing one bell. The chancel dates from 1260 and the nave from 1200. In 1874 the fabric was restored, new roofed and re-floored, open benches introduced and three stained windows erected, at a cost of £1,738. There are some memorials to the Castell family, the former owners of the estate, including an altar tomb to Mrs. Constance Castell, ob. 1610, and a tablet to the Rev. W. Cray Say, a former rector, d. 1751. The church affords 100 sittings. The register dates from the year 1678.
The last service was hald in 1959 and the church fell into disrepair. By late 2002, high winds and overgrowth of ivy had caused significant damage to the roof and walls, such that some parts of the structure were deemed unsafe. South Cambridgeshire District Council, owners of the church since 1985, had the ivy removed in order to survey the building. This work was completed during the early part of 2003. Severe damage was found to part of the external walls with the gable ends unstable and in danger of collapse. The roof tiles were insecure, while the removal of the ivy had affected the integrity of both the roof and the walls, leaving many of the tiles loose and much of the flint stone facing in a decayed condition. The church was placed on the national register of Buildings at Risk for Grade I and II buildings, maintained by English Heritage, in June 2004. Current renovation work was completed in 2007. Further funds are being sought to continue the work. The building is not open to the public as it is still deemed unsafe. The churchyard is a County Wildlife Site and remains open for burials.
Extracts from Kelly's Directory - Cambridgeshire - 1929 and www.hatley.info
The cache is a camouflaged film container with a log book. Bring your own pencil - please replace it exactly where you find it. Stealth is required due to the proximity of the nearby housing.
Please note - the cache is not in or on Church property.
There is convenient parking nearby at the suggested co-ordinates.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro@gmail.com.
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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This cache meets the GAGB Urban Placement Guidelines.