The Church of St Peter and St Paul

other internal and external pictures wanted
 

 

The church dates from the Norman period, i.e., about 1100. In 1825 a gallery for the Singers and the church band was erected on the north side of the nave, but in 1850 a new Vicar had this taken down.  

In its place a singers' pew at the west end of the church developed into a west gallery.  It appears that at about this time a barrel-organ was also installed.

In 1873 the west gallery was deemed "unsightly" and was demolished; the barrel-organ was replaced by a harmonium.
 

Also of note in the church is a Memorial to William Byrd, who lived in Stondon Massey for the last 30 years of his life.  He died there in 1623 at the age of 80.

Byrd and his family were frequently indicted at Quarter Sessions for not attending this very church - not surprising as he remained a staunch Catholic until his death, a belief which his music portrays so very well. There has to be a certain irony that this plaque commemorating his life was ever erected in a Protestant church.
 

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Information and photograph (© 2002) kindly supplied by Peter Goodwin


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Edwin and Sheila Macadam,

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