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The 3 R’s history trail covers the churches of Rawreth, Rettendon & Runwell.
Each church is unique with its own history and we welcome you to come and find out more. Visit our churches and see for yourself.
Today we launched the 3 R’s history trail with Open Days at St Nicholas Rawreth, All Saints Rettendon, and St Mary’s Runwell.
Rawreth Church (St Nicholas)
The parish of Rawreth has a list of Rectors going back to before 1361. It retains a 13th century tower, but the present church was rebuilt in 1882. The tower, arch and west wall of the north aisle remain from 1450, the rest has been rebuilt in 1882 to designs of Ernest Geldart, rector of Little Braxted.
- The family of Lancelot Andrewes lived in Rawreth and St Nicholas Church was their family church. Andrewes served successively as Bishop of Chichester, Ely and Winchester and oversaw the translation of the Authorized Version (or King James Version) of the Bible.
- Church organ - one of the smallest church organs in the country, built c.1860-1870 by Bryceson and Ellis
- Bells - over 700 years old and made by John Hadham C. 1320, making them amongst the oldest bells in Essex
- Chancel screen, reredos and pulpit - designed by the architect, the Reverend Geldart in 1862
- Memorial - to Edmund Tyrell and his wife of Beeches manor dated 1576
Runwell Church (St Mary's)
St. Mary’s Church is a beautiful Grade I* listed building, a magnificent mediaeval building which boasts an interesting and mixed history. The church is often described by both visitors and regular worshippers as a powerful sacred space to which they have been drawn.
This powerful impact comes in part from the art and architecture in the space. From the modern rood screen to the beautiful stained glass windows, St Mary’s is a must on any history trail. Its two churchyards (one linked to Runwell Hospital) also provide green space in which to walk and reflect. The church and churchyards are often used for contemplative Quiet Days. The Running Well, which may have given Runwell its name, is one mile from the Church.
- Prioress' tomb - tomb of the last Prioress at the Nunnery by the Running Well
- Runwell cross - original and contemporary versions of this unique cross design
- Devil's Claw - marks on a door, said to have been made by the Devil whilst chasing a curate
- Murals - medieval-style mural designs and interior decoration
- Painting - 'The Baptism of Christ' by Walsingham artist Enid Chadwick
- Squints - enabling those outside to see in.
The village of Rettendon is blessed with an old and beautiful Grade 1 listed church, with many unique aspects of its history.
The church stands on high ground, its 15th century ragstone tower acting as a landmark for the area. All Saints stands on high ground and from its lofty tower, over 100 feet high, there is an extensive view. To the east one can see the Crouch estuary, to the south the hills of Rayleigh stand out boldly, to the west, the round hilltops of the Langdon Hills are a notable landmark.
- Memorial - marble and alabaster memorial to Edmund Humfrye dating from the early 18th century, one of the best of its type in the country
- Anchorite Cell - the upstairs room over the vestry may have been used by an anchorite linked to the Nunnery at the Running Well, as evidenced by the window there which overlooks the altar
- Memorial brasses - to the Canon family, whose charity fund is available to villagers in need to this day
- Choir stalls - with 15th century medieval wood carvings on the nine bench ends
- Piscina and Sedilia - the Piscina, a stone basin, is dated 1220 while the double Sedilia also dates from the 13th century and consists of two bays with trefoiled heads and moulded labels
St Nicholas Church, Church Rd, Rawreth, Wickford SS11 8SH
Open every day between 09:00—16:00
St Mary's Church, Runwell Road, Runwell, Essex SS11 7HS
St Mary's is open by prior arrangement only. Please contact the churchwarden to arrange a time to visit:
Tel: 01268 765360
Email: alanvictorjones20@gmail.com
All Saints Church, Church Chase, Rettendon, Chelmsford CM3 8DP
Open Friday 10:00—12:00 or by prior arrangement only.
For further details on our history trail please contact:
Rev'd Jonathan Evens - jonathan.evens@btinternet.com | 07803 562329
Rev’d Steve Lissenden - revsteveliss@gmail.com | 07944 959300
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Josh Garrels - Farther Along.
