St Mary the Virgin, Cheshunt is a Church of England parish church in Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, England, located at Churchgate near the ruins of Cheshunt Great House.[1] Built between 1418 and 1448 in the Gothic style, it succeeded an earlier church possibly dedicated to St John the Baptist and has been a cornerstone of the Cheshunt community for over six centuries. Designated a Grade I listed building in 1950, the church features notable architectural elements and a historic churchyard with Commonwealth War Graves and memorials, including that of Major Samuel Thorp. It remains an active parish with a growing congregation, hosting worship, community events, and historical tours.[2][3]
The site of St Mary the Virgin Church has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 12th century, with evidence of a church dedicated to St John the Baptist, possibly established as early as the 11th century, before the Norman Conquest.[4][5] The original settlement of Cheshunt likely developed around the church, near the Roman Ermine Street, before a trading community emerged along the high road by 1086, as noted in the Domesday Book.[6]
Porch of St Mary the Virgin Cheshunt.
The current church was rebuilt between 1418 and 1448 under the rectorship of Nicholas Dixon, possibly due to neglect following the Black Death which disrupted many ecclesiastical institutions.[4] The dedication changed from St John the Baptist to St Mary the Virgin during this period, though the exact reason remains unrecorded.[4]
The church was historically appendant to the manor of Cheshunt, with its advowson—the legal right to appoint the parish priest—attached to the earldom of Richmond. Between 1146 and 1171, Conan, Duke of Brittany granted the church to the canons of Fougères, a religious house in Brittany. This transfer triggered a protracted dispute over ecclesiastical control, notably with the Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral, which claimed competing rights. In the late 15th century, Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond asserted her rights over the manor and successfully reclaimed the advowson; she subsequently granted it to the Abbot of Westminster, who exercised patronage in 1503 and 1526.[7] The Crown resumed control during the Reformation, and in 1554, Queen Mary I granted the advowson of the vicarage to the Bishop of London. By Act of Parliament in 1606, it passed to Robert Cecil, 1st Earl of Salisbury, and it has since remained with his descendants.[7] The current patron is the Marquess of Salisbury.[7][8]
Significant restoration occurred in the 19th century: J. Clarke oversaw work in 1872–73, and G. F. Bodley, a prominent Gothic Revival architect, directed further restoration in 1883–84, enhancing the church’s medieval features.[2] In the 17th century, Cheshunt was a centre of Nonconformity, with licences for dissenting meeting places granted from 1672, partly influenced by the establishment of Cheshunt College in 1792, located near the church.[7]
Local lore, as recorded in 20A Lordship Road by Ian H. James, suggests that Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell, lived in Cheshunt under the alias John Clarke from around 1680 until his death in 1712 and may be buried in an unmarked tomb in the churchyard. This claim remains unverified but adds to the church’s historical intrigue.[9]
Architecture
West door of St Mary the Virgin Church,Cheshunt.
St Mary the Virgin, Cheshunt has been a place of Christian worship since at least the 12th century, with evidence of a church dedicated to St John the Baptist, possibly established as early as the 11th century, before the Norman Conquest. is a fine example of Gothic architecture, constructed primarily from flint with ashlar dressings. The west tower, built of squared rubble, features a taller south-east stair turret and embattled parapets. The nave comprises five bays with clustered piers and two-light clerestory windows, supporting a painted panelled roof with tie beams on carved stone corbels.[2]
Grade II listed obelisk in the churchyard of St Mary the Virgin Church, Cheshunt.
The chancel includes a three-bay arcade to the south, clerestory windows, and a 19th-century roof designed during Bodley’s restoration. Notable interior fittings include a three-arch sedilia with carved figures and foliage, a piscina, book recesses, and several tombs. Key monuments include a tomb chest from 1543 (remodelled in 1641) and a 1635 monument to Sir Henry Atkins, physician to James I and Charles I. A 1741 wall tablet commemorates David Dobson, and a memorial to Nicholas Dixon, the rector during the church’s reconstruction, is also present.[2][4]
The churchyard contains numerous monuments, including those for the Cromwell family of Cheshunt Park, descendants of Oliver Cromwell, and local families such as the Dewhursts, Russells, Dacres, Meux, and Dodsons.[4] The church’s Gothic atmosphere and medieval fittings make it a significant architectural landmark in Hertfordshire.
Churchyard
The churchyard, closed to new burials in 1855. It is a historically significant site that preserves centuries of local heritage through its memorials and graves.[4] Encompassing a well-maintained green space adjacent to the church, it contains a variety of headstones and monuments that reflect Cheshunt’s social and historical development from the medieval period to the 19th century.[4]
St Mary the Virgin Church and churchyard
Commonwealth War Graves
The churchyard is home to six Commonwealth War Graves, commemorating local soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars.[10] These graves, maintained by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, honor individuals who served in various military roles, with each headstone inscribed with the soldier’s name, rank, regiment, and date of death.[11] The graves serve as a focal point for remembrance ceremonies, including events like Remembrance Sunday, when the Cheshunt community gathers to honor the fallen.[4]
Notable burials
A prominent memorial in the churchyard is the tomb of Major Samuel Thorp (d. 1852), a veteran of the King's Horse Guards and the 41st Regiment of Foot.[4] His tomb, made of weathered stone, features inscriptions detailing his military service, including participation in early 19th-century campaigns, highlighting his significance in Cheshunt's military history.[4] Other memorials, ranging from simple slate markers to ornate Victorian-era monuments, reflect evolving burial practices and artistic styles.[12]
Richard Cromwell
An unverified claim suggests that Richard Cromwell, son of Oliver Cromwell and Lord Protector of England (1658–1659), may be buried in an unmarked tomb in the churchyard.[13] This speculation, referenced in Ian H. James’ book 20A Lordship Road, posits that Cromwell, who lived in exile under an assumed name after the Restoration, may have returned to Cheshunt and been buried discreetly.[14] While no definitive evidence supports this claim, it contributes to the churchyard’s historical intrigue and attracts interest from historians and visitors.[15]
St Mary the Virgin Church and churchyard,
Landscape and preservation
The churchyard is a serene, enclosed space featuring ancient yew trees, traditional symbols of longevity and remembrance in English churchyards.[16] Surrounded by a low stone wall, it is maintained by local volunteers and the parish council, ensuring that headstones remain legible and the grounds are free of overgrowth.[4] The closure to new burials in 1855 has preserved its historical character, preventing modern alterations.[4] Winding paths allow visitors to explore the memorials in a tranquil setting.[17]
Significance
The churchyard serves as a cultural and historical archive for Cheshunt, reflecting the town’s evolution from a rural settlement to a more urbanised community.[18] Its memorials document the lives of individuals who shaped the community, and the site is used for historical tours and educational visits.[4] Adjacent to St Mary’s Church, a Grade I listed building, the churchyard enhances Cheshunt’s heritage value.[19] For genealogists and historians, the churchyard’s records, combined with parish archives, offer a valuable resource for researching local history.[20]
Parish records
Parish registers for St Mary the Virgin Church date from 1559, documenting baptisms, marriages, and burials. These records, held at the Hertfordshire Archives and Local Studies, include entries from 1559 to 1812 across multiple volumes and are a primary source for genealogical research in Cheshunt.[7][21] Baptism records from 1559 to 1910 list parents’ names, occupations, and abodes, while marriage banns provide details of intended unions.[22] Monumental inscriptions from 1700 to 1950 are available through the FamilySearch Catalog.[23]
Parish and ministry
Inside St Mary the Virgin Church, Cheshunt.
St Mary the Virgin Church is part of the Cheshunt Team Ministry in the Diocese of St Albans, alongside Christ Church, Waltham Cross; St Clement’s, Turnford; and St James’, Goffs Oak.[5] The church serves a diverse congregation, catering to regular worshippers, occasional visitors, and newcomers, with a mission to reflect the love of God through worship, prayer, teaching, and service.[5]
Regular services include:
**Holy Eucharist**: First, second, and third Sundays at 10:00 am, with live streaming on the church’s Facebook page.
**Family Service**: Fourth Sunday at 10:00 am, featuring hymns and songs.
**Holy Communion**: Thursdays at 11:00 am, followed by refreshments.
**Advent Communion Services**: Four team services in December focusing on Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy.
**Community Events**: Christmas carol services, such as the Christian Aid Carols at Pavilions Shopping Centre, Waltham Cross, on 13 December.[24]
The church maintains strong community ties, including with St Mary’s Church of England High School, which holds events like Founders Day at the church.[25] Bell-ringing, a tradition recalled by former parishioners, and choir activities are part of the church’s heritage.[4] The parish is committed to safeguarding, with a dedicated officer, Victoria Clarke, ensuring compliance with Diocese of St Albans policies.[5]
Congregation
According to the 2022 Statistics for Mission report, St Mary the Virgin, Cheshunt, had an average weekly attendance of 68, with 98 people on the electoral roll. The congregation included 17 individuals under 17, 71 adults aged 18–69, and 17 over 70. Attendance has grown in recent years, with Easter Day congregations increasing from 85 in 2022 to 100 in 2023 and 108 in 2024.[26]
Notable monuments
Monument in St Mary the Virgin Church, Cheshunt.
The church’s interior houses significant monuments, including:
A 1543 tomb chest, remodelled in 1641, showcasing Renaissance influences.
A 1635 monument to Sir Henry Atkins, physician to James I and Charles I.
A 1741 wall tablet to David Dobson.
Memorials to the Cromwell family of Cheshunt Park, descendants of Oliver Cromwell, and local families such as the Dewhursts, Russells, Dacres, Meux, and Dodsons.[2][4]
↑ Winter, William (1892). Old Shrines and Ivy: A Study of English Churchyards. Macmillan. pp.112–115. ISBN978-1346632155.{{cite book}}: ISBN / Date incompatibility (help)
↑ James, Ian H. (2015). 20A Lordship Road. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. p.47. ISBN978-1515228431.
↑ James, Ian H. (2015). 20A Lordship Road. CreateSpace Independent Publishing. p.47. ISBN978-1515228431.
↑ Sherwood, Jennifer (2011). Oliver Cromwell and His World. The History Press. pp.189–190. ISBN978-0752458861.
↑ Meller, Hugh (1981). London Cemeteries: An Illustrated Guide and Gazetteer. Avebury Publishing. pp.23–25. ISBN978-0861270033.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply. Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.
