Originally Saunderton had 2 churches and 2 manors, but St Nicholas’ fell into decay and was demolished in 1452, while St Mary’s which was built in 1227 remained. However, the church became known as St Mary & St Nicholas.
In 1886, as the outer walls were beginning to lean inwards, most of the building was taken down and rebuilt using, wherever possible, the original materials. It is for this reason the building has a Grade II* listing. There are many old and interesting materials and fittings in the structure.
A water colour painting, dated 1860, hangs on the west wall, showing the church interior as it was with the 13th century Aylesbury font, which is still in use today. The medieval bell frame tower with cross braces is thought to be 15th century. The current bells were cast on site in the 17th century. The framed armorial picture is dedicated to King Charles (most likely the 2nd).The original medieval painted floor tiles exist in the sanctuary and vestry. There is also a small brass with a half-figure of Isabella Saunterdon.
The village name is Anglo Saxon in origin, although its original meaning is unclear. It was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Santesdune, leading some scholars to believe that the village name derives from 'saint's hill'.
The footpath through the church from Church Lane leads to Church Farm which was the site of a Roman Villa. The discovery was made in 1930.
Confusingly, Saunderton railway station on the Chiltern Line between Marylebone and Birmingham is 3.2 miles away by road. Princes Risborough station however, is just under a mile.
If anyone wishes to view the church interior, the key may be obtained from the owner of the bungalow to the left of the path leading to the church. The lady here is aware of the location of the cache.
geocaching.com states under 'Help Center' in Paragraph 1.7. Geocaching etiquette: 'We like to keep things fun for everyone, so we have a few rules we encourage everyone to follow. Sign both the logbook and log your find online to get your smiley. Geocache owners love reading about your experience'. There are more rules, but this is the first one. This cache owner requests that if on the rare occasion geocachers are unable to sign, an explanation is given in their log. A photo of the cache, if possible should then be sent through the messaging system.
If you would like to add to the Church Micro series yourself then please look here: http://churchmicro.co.uk/
There is also a Church Micro Stats & Information page that can be found at
http://www.15ddv.me.uk/geo/cm/index.html
CONGRATULATIONS to mykey987 on being the FTF!