Grant to Rescue Historic Thundridge Church in Hertfordshire

A significant local landmark

The Old Church of St Mary and All Saints forms part of the Thundridgebury Moated Enclosure, a scheduled monument that includes the remains of Thundridgebury House. The church's 15th century tower, which features a 12th century doorway and 14th century window, is Grade II* listed.

The site has significant historical importance as the burial place of Reverend William Hughes (1781 to 1891), Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge, Rector of St Mary's Ware and Thundridge, and Honorary Member of the Society for Affecting the Abolition of the Slave Trade.

Current condition and planned work

Following a survey carried out between 2023 and 2024, partly funded by Historic England, the church was fenced off due to the risk of falling masonry and potentially serious issues in the roof.

This new grant funds structural investigations and pre-development work, which is intended to lead to repair and conservation works.

Community Vision

The project, led by the Thundridge Old Church Action Group and supported by the Diocese of St Albans, represents a community-led effort to preserve an important piece of Hertfordshire's heritage for future generations.

The area around the church has a rich history, including Bronze Age features and indications of prehistoric significance, a position as a frontier between Viking and Anglo-Saxon areas of control, a location on ancient arterial North-South roads and nationally important pilgrimage routes, and a place of notable independent thinking arising from constructive dialogue between Anglican and Non-Conformist communities.

Future aspirations include creating a safe and welcoming green oasis for local communities, providing opportunities for learning about the site’s rich history and archaeology, and demonstrating traditional craft skills. The preserved tower will be a visible icon in continuing to research and bring to life at least 1000 years of rich and diverse history at this site.

Projects include conducting a feasibility assessment for reinstating the ringing chamber floor from the spiral staircase, enabling tower access and use, reconstructing sections of the churchyard wall using original bricks deposited within the tower, researching the churchyard grave markers and records, and recording the lost sounds of the original bells dating back to 1480 for soundscape reconstruction and contemporary composition opportunities.