Here stands All Saints, Doddinghurst, a testament to centuries of faith. It has witnessed countless prayers and historical events. The churchyard whispers tales of lives lived and legacies left behind.
All Saints has stood here since about the seventh century. Imagine the generations who have walked this hallowed ground. Though the current building largely dates from the thirteenth century, its origins stretch back much further. Many people have been buried here over the centuries. Most of their graves have long since disappeared.
Let’s explore some of the notable graves. We can start with the oldest remaining grave. It belongs to the Snow family. Look for a large flat stone with a carved shield of arms. Much of the inscription is now illegible. Reverend Nathaniel Snow was Rector of All Saints from 1666 until his death in 1683. His presence is still felt here.
Next to the Snow family grave is a cross on a triple plinth. This marks the grave of another former rector. Reverend Bridges Harvey died in 1848. He served this parish with dedication.
Several other former rectors of All Saints are buried near the path. They are easily visible as you approach the porch. Among them is Reverend William Manbey. He died in 1879. He is remembered for founding the village school in 1857. Another is Reverend William Callendar. He died in 1887. The inscription states that he was rector of this parish. But church records show this was not the case. Reverend Francis Stewart oversaw the magnificent Victorian restoration at that time. Reverend Frederick Archer Adams died in 1928. He had been rector of All Saints for 31 years. His wife, Marianne Adams, died in 1936. She is buried behind the church. Mrs. Adams owned the advowson to the church. This meant she had the right to choose and appoint the rector. In her will, she left this patronage to the Diocese of Chelmsford.
Many of the other graves in this area belong to Victorian landowners. These families shaped the community. The Lagden family lived at Cowes Farm. They set up Lagden’s Charity. This provided £15 yearly distributed in coals to the poor of Doddinghurst and Kelvedon Hatch. There are eight Lagden graves here. The Littlechild family lived at Wishfields Farm. They were linked to the Lagdens by marriage. The Day family lived at Days Farm. The Baker Family and the Dove family lived at Doddinghurst Hall.
Behind the church, in the part of the churchyard acquired in 1931, are several graves with World War ll connections. George Mills lived in Stocksfield. He died aged 19 in 1941. He was working at a coal merchants near Brentwood Station. It received a direct hit during an air raid. Matilda and Dennis Curme were a mother and son. They were killed by a V2 rocket in Stratford in 1945. Matilda’s parents lived in Pear Tree Lane. Matilda and Dennis were probably staying there at the time. Her husband was serving overseas as a corporal with the RASC. Private Cyril Bixby was killed in action in Singapore in 1942. He was aged 25. He is buried in Kranji War Cemetery.
All Saints, Doddinghurst, remains an active church. Services are held regularly. Eucharist takes place every Sunday at 10am. Saints Alive, the Sunday group for children takes place on the 4th Sunday of each month at 10am. Eucharist also takes place every Wednesday at 9:30am. A Requiem Eucharist is held on the first Friday of the month at 12 Noon.
As we leave All Saints, Doddinghurst, remember the stories etched in its stones. This sacred place has been a center of community for centuries. It is a place where history and faith intertwine.