St Mary's is the local Church of England church of Shephall, Stevenage. Its history goes back to 1151-54, noted as the church of “Sepehale”. Various extensions to the church were made in the 13th and 14th centuries, with roof timbers dating from the 14th century. Later additions of the porch in the 19th century, the font Victorian and north aisle 1865, later widened in 1956. Other 20th century changes include the west window (1912) portraying soldier saints in memory of Colonel Alfred Heathcote, of Shephalbury, noted as the church of “Sepehale”.
The church bells include the 12th century treble bell (one of the countries oldest), the tenor bell (recast in 1767) both of which were restored in 1974, partly in memory of Tom Hampson, an Olympic gold-medallist in the 1932 Games, whose grave is in the churchyard.
Outside the lych-gate was re-built in 2005 following the Victorian gate being vandalised. The vestry/parish room was built in 1971. Also local to the Church is Shephall Manor, interestingly home a Coptic Church Cathedral (news to me that Stevenage has a Cathedral).
Back to the cache. It is in site of the church and the local hostelry. Hid in interesting object, watch for the two commemorative plaques nearby to the cache location. Please be careful retrieving the cache and replacing it, of both its location and muggles.
The information for this cache was found at History of the Church, St Mary's
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