St. Mary's church history timeline
A more detailed account of the history of the church building can be found
in A Guide to St Mary's Church Hitchin,available from the book stall
in the church.
| 792 | King Offa founds a religious site in Hitchin | |
| 910 | Monestary and part of town destroyed by fire | |
| 1115 | North side of church (then known as St Andrew's) destroyed by fire | |
| late 12th century | Tower built | |
| end 13th century | Collapse of nave following lightening strike and earthquake | |
| 1305/1325 | Sir Edward de Kendale establishes a Gilbertine convent at The Biggin | |
| 1450 and later | Building of North and South Chapels and extension of Chancel. The font, angel screen and pulpit date from this period | |
| 1475 | Fraternity of Guild of Virgin Mary founded by licence of Edward IV. Church is rededicated to St Mary. South chapel is used by Guild | |
| end 15th century | Construction of the South Porch and remodelling of Nave windows | |
| 1539 | Henry VIII takes over Church of England and patronage or rectory of Hitchin passes from ElstowAbbey to Trinity College Cambridge | |
| 1548 | Henry VIII abolishes Guild and takes possession of property including church silver | |
| 1640s | During the English Civil War Cromwell's men use charnel house (crypt) as prison. Font is mutilated and mediaeval stained glass windows are smashed | |
| 1660 | Two sundials on South side of tower presented to commemorate the restoration of Charles II to the throne | |
| 1762 | Installation of present set of eight bells (two further bells added in 1984) | |
| 1774 | Presentation by John Radcliffe of Adoration of the Magi painting | |
| 1776 | Removal of the Rood screen | |
| 1858 - 1865 | Restoration of the church including removal of the plaster ceiling, box, pews and galleries which had been installed during the 18th century | |
| 1860 - 1880 | Installation of present stained glass windows | |
| 1871 | Construction of current organ by JW Wlaker & sons. Opening recital given by JW Stainer | |
| 1906/1907 | Restoration of tower | |
| 1911 | Trinity Chapel restored | |
| 1965 | Radcliffe Chapel restored and dedicated to St Andrew | |
| 1977 | Team Ministry of Parish of Hitchin inaugurated | |
| 1984 | Two further church bells added to existing eight |
Have your say
Join in the discussions on Hitchin's liveliest discussion boards.
Discuss
Hitchin's history
top | home | history | leisure | funzone | local links | news | community | contact
©1997-2001 Hitchin.Net. All rights reserved. See our Privacy statement.
For comments regarding this web site contact our webmaster.
Developed and hosted by netmark.co.uk. and Deltic Computers Ltd.