Problems? Contact webmaster@eseltech.co.uk

St Margaret of Antioch – Margaretting

The church in Margaretting can be traced back with certainty to the 12^th Century but there are suggestions that bricks discovered during a restoration in the late 19^th Century, indicate an earlier Roman structure.

The church dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch in Pisidia, a popular Saint of the Middle Ages, was probably started in the 12^th century, as the earliest surviving wall dates from this time. There may have been an earlier church on the site, but no trace now exists. The remoteness of the building from the present village is probably because most churches were built adjoining the Manor House or Hall, whether this was in the centre of the village or not.

The first building was simple and oblong in shape; possibly with a circular East wall. The extension to this wall and the building of a south aisle and westward extension of the Nave dates back to the early 15^th Century. Other notable additions of the time were the Tower and the porches later in the same century. The exterior is mainly of the same period.

Substantial restoration work took place in 1869-70, at which time the East wall was rebuilt and the Spire renewed. Internally open pine benches replaced the high-backed pews and the Orchestral Gallery across the west end, which had held an orchestra for accompanying the hymns, was taken down. The Pulpit and the Clerk’s Desk were also removed and replaced. Further large scale work was completed in 1930 -31 when the Pipe Organ (dated 1881) was moved from the South Aisle and sited above the entrance to the Vestry, and the four Pre-Reformation Bells tuned and re-hung. (A new bell was cast at the ‘Whitechapel Bell Foundry’ in London to join the others, in 1996). The Roof was also replaced and the Tower and Spire re-shingled at this time. According to the Vicar of the time, the architect retained as much of the old Church as was possible.

Thanks to the love and care of its Officers over the years, the Church remains in excellent condition. A new oak doorway with glass panels into the Vestry and an imaginative pine staircase leading to the Organ Loft from the Vestry, were built and dedicated in the early 1990’s. These won a Diocesan Design Award.

Notable Furnishings:

The Bells

This is a unique set, varying diameter from 30” to 37.5” and in weight from 5.5 cwts to 10.5 cwts.

All bear Latin inscriptions.

1392-1418 “A” Let the name of the Lord be blessed”

This is probably the oldest bell in Essex.

1418-1440 Tenor “G”. “For many years let John’s bell resound”

1506-1522 “B” which carries a foundry shield identifying it as made in Houndsditch. “St. Margaret pray for us”.

1523-1558 Treble “C” “St. John pray for us”.

The 15^th Century ‘Jesse’ window on the East wall is one of only 9 in England and commemorates the direct descent of Christ from David. Although much restored, it is attributed most likely to John Prudde the King’s Glazier of around 1450-60.

The 15^th Century Brasses to the left of the Altar are of a local resident Robert Gedge and his family. Whilst the face of the man in armour is missing, uniquely the other faces are shown in profile.

The Stuart period Memorial above the North Door, is dedicated to a local Family the ‘Tanfields’. It was moved from its original position near the East Window in 1870.

The Stone Reredos with alabaster & stone figures depicts the feeding of the multitude. It dates from 1877/78 and now boasts tasteful rear lighting. The figures include St Margaret the churches Patron Saint.

There are Four Funeral Hatchments dating from 17^th-19^th Century and relating to Essex families, hanging on the South wall.

The much defaced 13^th Century stone slab (thought to be a coffin lid) set into the floor of the South Aisle bears the name of Godfrey de Fristling, a local landowner.

The 15^th Century Timber Framed Tower contains 4 pre-reformation Bells dated from 1392 – 1558. A fifth Bell was added in 1996.

The Font is 15^th Century, made of stone and of an Octagonal design.

Each panel comprises a different symbol notably:

Mitre; square and compasses; acorns; a face with a protruding tongue; leaves; a rose leaf and crown.

On the West wall, a tablet of oak shows the ‘List of Vicars’ of Margaretting, beginning with John Gybon, who was presented by the Prior and Convent of Blackmore in 1328. Before that date, the Priest of the Church was called Rector but it became common in the Middle Ages for ‘Religious Houses’ to “appropriate” the revenue and appoint a deputy (a Vicar).

This beautiful House of Prayer of St. Margaret of Antioch, is worth a visit. There are details in the car park and on the church notice board, as to how the key may be obtained.

Dwell awhile within its walls; within its peace and loveliness and add your thoughts and prayers to those who over the centuries have offered theirs.

Then with God’s Blessing, move on refreshed and renewed.

Top of page