St Nicholas, Kelvedon Hatch

Standing here, at St Nicholas, Kelvedon Hatch, imagine a time when this very spot was the heart of Kelvedon Hatch village. It was a medieval church, dedicated to Saint Nicholas, the patron saint of sailors, merchants and children. The original church was rebuilt in the 1750s. The old church was dismantled and abandoned, but it still stands today, although in much reduced state. It became overgrown with creeper – it was just a shell of its former glory. It was further damaged by a German rocket bomb in 1945 during World War II. St Nicholas, Kelvedon Hatch stands in the grounds of Kelvedon Hall, a grand manor house that has a history dating back to the Norman Conquest. Sadly, the old church was damaged by a rocket bomb in 1945, and a new St Nicholas, Kelvedon Hatch was built a mile away in 1895, close to the village centre. The construction of the new St Nicholas, Kelvedon Hatch cost £2,000. The bell and font from the old church were moved to the new church. The bell is a beautiful example of 15th-century craftsmanship, and it still rings out across the village today. It’s a reminder of the rich history of this cherished church. The font was likely carved in the 15th century and is octagonal. St Nicholas remains an important part of the Kelvedon Hatch community, and its bell continues to call parishioners to worship.