Ashdon- All Saints
The parish church of All Saints dates from the 13th century with improvements or additions taking place most centuries
since. The imposing tower was built in the 14th century and stood unattached to the church for some time (to allow for
settlement) before being joined to the church proper. The walls of the tower are a massive four feet thick. Some evidence
exists of an earlier Saxon church in some of the walls and the fact that the nave is not an exact rectangle. Although not
authenticated, it seems highly probable that an earlier church existed here.
There are a number of items of interest inside the church, including the font which appears to have been altered in the
14th century and is probably much older. The chancel has an interesting Piscina and Sedilia of the 14th century let into
the wall.
Also in the sanctuary off the chancel is the badly damaged tomb of Thomas Tyrrell of Warley and Anne (Woolley) his wife.
Around the tomb and on the wall above are coats of arms of the Tyrrell and Woolley families. There are so many things of
beauty and interest that they can’t all be mentioned here, but look for the vestry door, the peculiar plinths on which
the nave arcades and the chancel arch stand, and the traces of medieval glass.
The parish registers date from 1553, and the six earliest are now deposited with the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford
where they may be inspected. The tower now houses eight bells. This is a lovely church in a beautiful setting, if in
the area it is well worth a visit.
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. There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page found via the Bookmark list
Directions- After replacing the cache carefully, continue to follow the path into the churchyard. Exit the churchyard
via the north gate and turn immediately left. Cross the graveyard to return to the main road. Cut through the hedge and
cross over the road. Turn right to follow the pathway back to the car park.
GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY CACHING!!