"The objects of the society shall be to maintain, repair, restore, preserve, improve, beautify and reconstruct for the benefit of the public the fabric of the Church of St Mary, Hedgerley, its monuments, fixtures, fittings, furniture, stained-glass, ornaments and other chattels and the churchyard with fences, hedges and gates thereto." Registered Charity No. 1113200.
The present Church was built in 1852 to replace the 12th century building which stood some 20 yards to the south. The font comes from the old church, the bowl being 12th century Norman, the pedestal 16th century, and the cover 17th-century. The Ten Commandments board on the south wall also dates from the 17th-century: only one other similar is known to exist. It probably served originally as a reredos to the altar. There is a record of the Priests in charge of St Mary's from 1236 by the south door.
The Royal Arms on the north wall are those of King George III. On the south wall of the Chancel there is a fragment of purple velvet, said to have been given by King Charles II. Tradition says that, visiting the church soon after the Restoration, he saw the altar bare and gave his cloak as a frontal. The Brass in the Sanctuary originally commemorated Thomas Totyngton, Abbott of Bury St. Edmonds 1301 to 1312. On the Dissolution of the Monasteries and it was used on the reverse as a memorial to Margaret Bulstrode in 1540. The other Brass is dated 1498 and commemorates Robert Fulmer and Johanna his wife.
Recent Work
During 2002 the church was redecorated, completely removing emulsion paint on the nave walls which had been applied 25 years before and replacing it with an oil bound distemper ("Quiet White"). During this process, we discovered the original brown paint which had been applied 150 years before. The chancel was painted with an emulsion paint, of similar colour to the nave, on the existing coating as this was sound and not damaged. The pews and pulpit were re-coated with french polish (brush applied).
In 2000 the Millennium Window depicting a Dove was added on the upper north side opposite the south entrance, as a memorial to late friends and relatives of those who funded it. A Book of Rememberance is kept in a glass case below the window.
The West Window was gifted by Mrs Powditch.
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The Rudd Window
Path Round South and East of Church
We have completed a path from near the church south entrance to the gate into Church Wood and an east extension into the new part of the churchyard. The cost of the path was raised by sponsors whose names are inscribed on bricks which form the path. There is an opportunity to have your name go down in history!
Approximately 270 named bricks have been laid, up to end of 2016.
The brick path round the south and east of the church is shown here.
New Path and Plan of Churchyard with the Engaved Bricks
Our Current projects include extending the paved path to cover the way from the West Gate to the steps to the Main South Door to the church. Planning Permission has been given by South Bucks. District Council and a Faculty from the Diocese of Oxford. Bricks for the path were obtained by one of Norman Grundon's companies. A new plan was made in 2016 for extending the path to the East and other parts of the churchyard. The first part was completed in July 2017.
Some bricks may be sponsored and engraved for anyone who wishes names or events to be remembered in the history of Hedgerley Church.
If you have any queries or if you need a form for:-
To Register as a Friend of St Mary's Church
Please send us an email, CLICK HERE
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