Whispers of history echo within these walls. This is St Mary & St Peter in Berkhamsted. A church steeped in centuries of stories. Its foundations were laid around 1200. This was just a few years after the signing of the Magna Carta.
St Mary & St Peter has witnessed countless events. It has seen the siege of Berkhamsted Castle. It has seen the rise and fall of empires. Generations of Berkhamsted residents have celebrated life’s milestones within these walls. Baptisms marriages and funerals have taken place here for centuries.
Before 1222 the focus of religious life was at St Mary’s Northchurch. This church is much older its origins stretching back to Saxon times. After St Mary & St Peter was built the center of religious power shifted south. This was closer to the castle and the growing town. St Mary’s then became known as “the North Church”.
The building of St Mary & St Peter itself was a lengthy process. Historians initially believed the clerestory dated from around 1450. However it is now thought to be older. The right to appoint a new rector initially rested with the Abbot of Grestein Abbey in Normandy. This was a holdover from Norman rule after 1066. In 1381 this changed. King Richard II began appointing rectors. This tradition continued for centuries.
The medieval era brought challenges. Bubonic plague swept through the area. This resulted in a rapid turnover of rectors between 1369 and 1386. One rector Thomas Payne only served nine days.
John de Waltham served as rector from 1379 to 1380. He rose to become Bishop of Salisbury. He was a close friend of King Richard II who appointed him Lord Privy Seal and Lord Treasurer. After his death Richard II had him buried in Westminster Abbey. This was a remarkable honor for someone not of royal blood.
The church holds connections to many historical figures. A stone chest tomb is believed to be that of Henry of Berkhamsted. This knight served as Constable of Berkhamsted Castle. He fought at the Battle of Crécy in 1346. Monumental brasses commemorate Richard Torrington and John Raven. Raven even gave his name to a nearby street Ravens Lane.
The Incent family were important figures in 15th and 16th century Berkhamsted. Robert Incent served as secretary to Cecily Neville Duchess of York. His son John played a role in the English Reformation. He became Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral and founded Berkhamsted School. Their family house is still on the High Street and is known as Dean Incent’s House.
Sir Adolphus Carey lived in the 16th century. He was known as a benefactor to the poor. His funerary helmet was once displayed at St Mary & St Peter. Sadly it was stolen in the 1970s and has never been recovered.
The English Civil War impacted St Mary & St Peter. Parliamentarian forces used it to imprison Royalist soldiers. The windows were removed to improve ventilation. This resulted in the loss of much medieval glass. Daniel Axtell one of Oliver Cromwell’s henchmen was baptized here in 1622. He was later executed for his role in the execution of King Charles I.
John Sayer served as chief cook to King Charles II. His lavish marble tomb is in St Mary & St Peter. He left a large sum for the relief of the poor. This led to the construction of almshouses on Berkhamsted High Street.
The 18th century saw further changes. Rev John Cowper served as rector. His son William Cowper became a famous poet and hymn writer. His hymns gave us the phrase “God moves in a mysterious way”. He was also an active abolitionist. His work influenced Martin Luther King Jr nearly 200 years later.
St Mary & St Peter has undergone several renovations. A 1628 record described it as “decayed”. The Victorian architect Jeffry Wyattville undertook major renovations. He removed ancient memorials and covered the walls with stucco. William Butterfield carried out further renovations in the Victorian era.
In 1838 the church received its first clock. This celebrated the accession of Queen Victoria. The bells were also recast. The church continues to serve the community. It marked its 800th anniversary in 2022. This church stands as a testament to the enduring faith and history of Berkhamsted.