St. Mary’s, Reed
I have been been looking at some of the churches in Hertfordshire and had an enjoyable day riding around some of those on the eastern side of the county. Few of the churches in this area are well known but all are worth seeing and it is always a surprise to visit somewhere new.
St. Mary’s is another gem of a church. I found a simple guide inside and a folder of history. It is a simple and lovely church which would make a good Small Pilgrim Place. 39 people had signed the visitors book so far this year. This is a simple country church with it’s own atmosphere. A bit more could be made of it from a visitors point of view but it is worth seeking out.
St. Margaret of Antioch, Barley
St. Margaret’s is open and well worth a visit. Inside, I found a guided walk around the church leaflet and one around the churchyard for children to use. There is quite a bit of children’s art work displayed in church which shows that there is plenty of life here! There is some interpretation of items of interest around the building. This is a church with a wonderfully prayerful atmosphere. The slow ticking of the clock adds to this. The Diocese of St. Alban’s ‘Saints and Pilgrims’ book is displayed and there is a prayer board, candles to light and a prayer desk set up. You can really tell that this is a church which is regularly prayed in. Definitely worth a visit.
St. Mary’s, Twyford (Berks)
St. Mary’s was open when I visited. The signs outside do not say this but do give details of the services held here and of the website http://www.THRU-christ.org.uk (which gives a lot of info and a history of the church but no mid week visitor info).
It is quite gloomy inside but is a well cared for church. I found some of the Oxford Diocese Leaflets on the Christian faith, UCB Word Bible study booklets, Why Jesus ? and Knowing God personally. There is no guide to the building. There is a prayer request box but no slips or paper to write prayers on. The visitors book showed only 5 entries for this year.
St. Mary’s is a simple church building with not a lot of interesting features but there is a ‘Lace window’ which is a framed piece of lace on the wall. It bears tribute to the once widespread lace industry in the area. This was not easy to photograph due to the lack of light but I managed a reasonable picture.
This is perhaps not the most interesting church to visit but it is an oasis of calm in what is a busy area. More could be made of the building but it was good to find it open and to be able to spend some time looking and praying.
St. Mary the Virgin & All Saints, Potters Bar
Potters Bar doesn’t look it’s best in the rain but St. Mary’s is a real gem and worth a visit. It is open from 12 noon to 2pm every Tuesday, Weds and Thurs. It is a pity that this isn’t put on the website (stmaryspb.org.uk), although there is much else to discover there. That apart, this is an interesting church with much to see. I found a selection of the ‘What we do in church and why leaflets’ and some marmalade for sale as well as some tea towels, cards and a guide.
There is a votive stand to use and a history display as the church is celebrating it’s centenary this year. ‘Saints and Pilgrims’ was also there. There were some friendly stewards and a toilet to use. There is information on the ‘Zeppelin Cross’ which was made from a downed airship and also on HMS Poppy a corvette from the second world war whose bell is hung in church. There is quite a bit to see here and a lot of effort has gone into this. A good church from the point of view of this study.
St. Andrew’s, Totteridge
St. Andrew’s is the northernmost church in London but in the Diocese of St. Alban’s. It is a most interesting church to visit and is open each day. It is one of those places which has a real sense of calm and prayer about it. There is an open church sign outside. Inside I found a welcome leaflet and some lights were left on. The usual ‘Saints and Pilgrims’ book was displayed. There are cards, post cards, a guide booklet, notelets and ‘The Book of Totteridge’ which gives a history of the parish. The visitors book showed 7 entries for August.
There is a good little prayer area with some prayer ideas and an open bible. The church website has much on it but no visitor information which is a shame (see http://www.totteridgechurch.org.uk). A good church for visitors. Here are some more pictures.
St. John the Baptist, Chipping Barnet
St. John’s is in a busy part of Barnet and is open each day. There is a sign outside the church door to encourage people inside. There is much to see here. There is a church guide and a free welcome leaflet which gives a good tour around the building. Also there was a recipe book and a small bookstall and a selection of gift items. For children there is an area and some books. Some quiet music was being played – I am never sure if this is a good thing or not as I think that many visitors like a bit of peace – but I might be wrong! The St. Albans, ‘Saints & Pilgrims’ book was displayed and there were some paintings for sale.
The Ravenscroft Chapel is available for quiet prayer and this is a lovely peaceful space. Some lights were on and there is a votive stand and prayer request box to use. Several icons are displayed in the church and there are also some pictures of church officers etc.
The church website is at barnetparishchurch.org.uk and this has very clear visitor information right at the top of the home page. This is often either missing or buried in some obscure part of the site. All in all a good church to visit.
St. Stephen’s, Barnet
St. Stephen’s is not normally open during the week but I just happened to turn up as a service was being held a bit later. It is a lovely, simple, church which is very well cared for. There is a website at http://www.ststephensbarnet.org.uk but this doesn’t have any visitor information on it. It was nice to call in and sit quietly for a few minutes and prayer for the church and those who work and worship there.
St. Michael & All Angels, Borehamwood
St. Michael’s is a good example of a church which is open at advertised times but not all the time. There are quite a number of these in Herts. It is open on-
Sunday 9-12.00 (2nd Sunday 6-7pm), Weds 9.30-11.00 & Thurs 3-5pm.
This is much better than not be open full stop. Unfortunately, I visited on a Tuesday! The church website is at http://www.borehamwoodchurches.org.uk but this has no visitor information – the opening times would be nice!
All Saints, Borehamwood
All Saints is in the centre of Borehamwood. It is a busy area with shops etc. around. I found it locked which seems a real shame given the church’s surroundings. There is a church website at http://www.borehamwoodchurches.org.uk which has no visitor information on it.
Saxon Church, Corhampton
This church is unusual, though not unique, in having no known dedication. It is very old and this, coupled with it’s very atmosphere, makes it a wonderfully atmospheric and prayerful place. It is open each day and worth visiting, as are all the churches in the Meon Valley. There is a pilgrims trail laid out with Corbridge being one of the churches on it – see http://www.wilfred-meon-pilgrimage.co.uk. This is an excellent idea and I hope that it is a well travelled route.
Inside I found some guides and notelets and there is a display on the Pilgrims trail in the porch. Above the visitors book had been placed a notice asking for prayers and offering them for those who visit. A lovely idea.
The east end has been rebuilt in brick as it fell down after some road widening in the 1830’s!
I am much taken by this little church. There is a large yew outside which is thought to be older than even this Saxon church! Quite a place to feel the presence of the past.
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