Historic Church Tour, Hidden Gems of the Essex/Hertfordshire Borders - SOLD OUT

Explore four churches steeped in history and discover stories of influential women in this tour of the Essex/Hertfordshire borders.

Please note that this tour is now SOLD OUT. If you would like to be added to the waiting list for this event, please email [email protected].

In our tour, you will explore the historic churches just a stone’s throw from London and discover unforgettable, and unexpected riches.

First, you will explore a local treasure that remained unchanged for 200 years, St James’, Stansted Abbotts. St James’ has been a landmark for seven centuries. Built on a hillside above the river Lea, its embattled buttressed tower was a steering point for those on the water and a waymark for those on the ancient route to London. The unspoiled Georgian interior has unusually high box pews and a three-decker pulpit.

Then, mainly Norman, with traces of reused Roman brick, we will visit St Andrew’s, Willingale, which has a pretty clapboard bell turret and porch, and shares a churchyard with the later church of St Christopher.

Next stop will be St Mary’s, Chickney, an atmospheric and remote pre-Conquest church, set within a ring of trees. The 14th-century tower is capped by an elegant, pyramid-style shingled spire. Many furnishings and fittings are Medieval in this church.

Final visit will be to St Mary the Virgin, Stansted Mountfitchet. In this Medieval church, with a bold brick tower, you will discover two fine 17th-century tomb figures – wasp-waisted Hester Salusbury in her hunting clothes and her father, Sir Thomas Middleton.

This tour will begin at Stansted Mountfitchet train station at 10am, and will then return to the station by 5pm.