Thundridge Old Church Tower is a remote iconic 2* listed sentinel of 1000s of years of history in the tranquil Hertfordshire Rib Valley. Set in Thunor’s Grove among ancient barrows, the 15thC tower abuts the Saxon foundations of Little St Mary’s and All Hallows. The surrounding medieval moated enclosure contained Thundridgebury Tudor manor and gardens until 1811. Clergy, parish and nonconformists offered charity, strove to avoid American Independence, and spoke out for slavery abolition. Instead of extensive repairs, in 1853 Robert Hanbury built the Thundridge Parish Church of St Mary’s, independent from Ware, and relocated the bells and some monuments. A Norman doorway and 14thC window from the demolished Nave and Chancel were set into the Pelham Buckle marked tower. Valued over 170 years since for recreation, artistic and historic inspiration, the tower is now under threat of demolition – see www.thundridgeoldchurch.org to learn more and support its future. Model by Historic England Geospatial Survey Team.
Comments