The earliest records show a church on this site in the twelfth century built by Geoffrey de Clinton sometime between 1100 and 1135. Geoffrey or his successor later made over the manor of Hughenden including the church to the priory of Kenilworth and it seems that the monks established a small priory in what is now Church House.
A small chapel and a bell tower were added in the thirteenth century on the north side, and later still a small nave, about half the length of the present one was added, and a rounded Norman Arch used for the porch, though where this was originally we do not know. By 1870 the church was in a very bad state of repair, and the vicar, Canon Blagdon, with considerable financial help from his father-in-law, James Searight, set about rebuilding it. He raised the floor of the chancel, altered the pitch of the roof in the vestry, rebuilt the nave, moved the tower to its present position and raised it two stories. The result is an interesting example of Victorian Church architecture at its best.*
The Disraeli tomb in the churchyard is a large crypt containing the remains of a number of members of the Disraeli family. It was finally sealed when the last member of the family was buried there in 1967. For the Earl’s funeral use was made of the natural slope of the ground from West to East, and a cutting was dug from the line of the present hedge to the door of the crypt enabling the bearers to carry the coffin right into the crypt.
One of the names on the tomb is not Disraeli. Mrs Brydges Williams, a great admirer of the statesman, offered to make him her heir if she might be buried alongside him. Her offer was accepted, and her body now lies in the crypt in Hughenden churchyard.*
- Information from St Michael & All Angels website
On the wall right around the stained glass windows, and on the ceiling above, there are beautiful images and geometric shapes that seem unusual. What were they made of – brass, copper, gold?
I am sorry I couldn’t find the information in the guide book which is rather brief.
i like your viewpoint, makes the church look even more imposing. such a charming entrance with all the bright flowers, the stained glass work also adds more appeal, CP
Thank you I found the entrance very inviting.
Good to see some sympathetic Victorian re-building, Cherie. I am pleased you showed us so many pictures
I am glad you enjoyed the views.
I think I have been to this church before…
Did a very long walk in High Wycombe, so I am pretty sure I saw this church too.
During the platinum jubilee holidays, I was in Winsley, Wiltshire.
There was a lovely tea party at their local parish church, St Nicolas.
It was a nice place to wander around.
It is a lovely church, so much to see. I haven’t been to Winsley.
You should visit Winsley then.
It’s a nice little village to explore.
I am in awe of the beauty church has wow.
Thanks for such detailed virtual tour my friend. I thoroughly enjoyed the divinity of this site and how nicely it is maintained despite of such long history. Amazing!!!
Hugs and blessings
It is a beautiful church, we are so lucky to have so many historical churches in Great Britain. In some you can feel the holiness that has been seeded there over the years.
Love & hugs xx
A lovely church with so much of interest and I adore those roses around the door!
The doorway was amazing, so inviting
Aren’t the roses around the door beautiful …
It certainly looks a lovely Church.
All the best Jan
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It is a very beautiful doorway