Have you ever felt the weight of history beneath your feet? Standing before St Margaret’s Church in Halstead you are standing on hallowed ground. This unassuming building with its bell turret and knapped flint walls tells a story spanning centuries. It’s a Victorian structure. Yet inside lie memorials dating back to the 14th century. These were salvaged from the original medieval church. That church was demolished in 1880-81. Its ruins lie two hundred meters away.
St Margaret’s is more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a living testament to Halstead’s past. The chancel was built in 1855 by R C Hussey. John Newman an architectural historian described its flintwork as laboriously galleted. It was originally intended as a burial chapel. The nave and south aisle were added later. William M Teulon combined them under a single roof between 1880 and 1881.
The church’s interior is impressive. It boasts three-bay arcades. The circular piers have bold capitals and deeply moulded red brick arches. The organ case may have been made by Teulon. It has a distinctive canted front. Stained glass windows enhance the church’s beauty. Those in the west nave are from 1867 designed by Casolani. They were salvaged from the old church. The east chancel windows show Christ in Majesty. They are from the 1880s by Hardman & Co. The north aisle windows were made by Morris & Co in 1909. Edward Burne-Jones designed them. Marguerite Douglas-Thomson designed the south aisle windows in 1950.
St Margaret’s holds fascinating memorials. One is dedicated to William Burys. He died in 1444 and is depicted in armour in a 26-inch brass. Another is for William Petley who died in 1528. He and his wife are shown in a smaller brass. There’s also a memorial to Sir James Ashe. He died in 1733. His memorial is a white marble tablet. It features cherubs and is signed by Jonathan Barker his only known work. A crusader is also buried there.
The story of St Margaret’s is woven into the fabric of Halstead. It reflects the village’s growth and changes. From its humble beginnings as perhaps a private chapel to its present form. The church has served as a steadfast beacon for generations. It continues to be a place of worship and community. The story of St Margaret’s Church is a reminder that even seemingly simple buildings can hold immense history and significance. It is a place that continues to resonate with the spirit of Halstead.