St Mary’s, Chickney

This small Saxon shrine, hidden in a remote corner of north Essex is one of the oldest of the, around, 350 ancient churches in Essex, lies at the end of a track about 1/3 mile off the B1051. Look for a sign to the shooting club at N 51° 55.518 E 000° 16.944.

The small parish of Chickney is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It once had it’s own station (Sibleys) on the line from Thaxted to Elsenham. Chickney’s population was 42 in 1881 and was down to twenty in 1901.

St Mary’s closed officially in 1972, but is still a consecrated building, with occasional services – including Good Friday.

One of the most notable features of this church is the medieval stone alter slab.

The church is now cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

The cache

You’re looking for a 35mm film canister. The cache has a log book but no pen so please bring one with you.  

Church Micro Series

If any body would like to expand to this series please do, could you please let sadexploration know first so he can keep track of the Church numbers and names to avoid duplication.