St Mary - Chesham, Bucks
Posted by: 
Norfolk12
N 51° 42.258 W 000° 37.008
30U E 664672 N 5730838
The church is in the older part of this old market town
and has some fine features.
Waymark Code: WM4YBA
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 10/13/2008
Views: 10
St Mary's Church was built in the 12th century on a sacred site of great antiquity. The south doorway was added to the original building in the 14th century, the tower in the 15th century and the spire in the 18th century. A monument to Thomas Harding 'Chesham's martyr' is in the churchyard.
Thomas Harding, martyr, 30th May 1532
a further Memorial to Thomas Harding is at Martyrs Dell, Chesham
Born c.1470, Harding lived in Amersham and later in Chesham where he was a farmer and became the last of the Lollards to die for his beliefs. He fought for the right to read the scriptures in English. He was accused of heresy and interrogated in Chesham parish church. He was found guilty and ordered to be burnt in 1532 at a place since known as Martyr's Dell.
Before his execution, Harding asked the people to pray for him and then lifting his hands to heaven prayed 'Lord Jesus, receive my spirit'. Perhaps as an act of mercy someone threw a heavy block of wood at his head and killed him as the fire was being lit.
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1190
Age of Church building determined by?: Historical Society
If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Church of England
If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM
If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday
Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 12:00 AM
Street address of Church:
St MARY
Chesham, Bucks United Kingdom
HP5 1HY
Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]
Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:1) A photo of the church is required for visits to a waymark.
2) Please share some comments about your visit.
3) Additional photos are encouraged. If you can have information in addition to that already provided about this church, please share it with us.