Church History

St Thomas a Becket (Northaw)

The first recorded church in Northaw is of 1215, but monks from St Albans,

working in the forest of Nyn, which belonged to the Abbey, may well have built

a chapel here before that.  A larger church was built in 1808, but was totally destroyed by fire in February 1881.  The site was cleared, and the present

church built in eighteen months; it was dedicated on 28th September 1882.  This church is unusual in that it contains a Rood Screen, Wall Paintings and coloured glass windows, which are more typical of pre-reformation churches than the white-washed walls of most of our old churches.

Over the years various changes have been made: the bells were rocking the

tower too much and had to be moved lower down, which is why the windows in the present ringing chamber are more about baptism; the font was moved to the north wall; the organ, which was situated in what is now the chapel, was suffering from heat from the boiler in the cellar below, and had to be moved, which is why there are wall paintings, difficult to see, behind the organ, and very little in the chapel.  Sensitive re-ordering over the last few years has given us a lovely space for hospitality at the West End, an enlarged area in front of

the screen with raised dias for Sunday worship, baptisms, weddings, concerts and drama. A new porch with ramps makes the church welcoming and accessible for wheelchairs. There’s lots more of interest – come and see for yourself.

St Andrew (Cuffley)

The first church in Cuffley was built in 1910 at the top of Plough Hill, but by 1953 had become too small for the vast increase in population of the village. £65,000 (£2.25 million in today’s money) was raised, and the present church built; it was consecrated on St Andrew’s day 30th November 1965.

The architect of the church, which contains some interesting features, was

Clifford Culpin, who also designed the font, the chapel screen, the pulpit and the pews.  The sculpture on the east wall is by Angela Connor.  The windows are of coloured fused glass by Whitefriars, which, at the time was in an experimental stage.  There are various altars frontals, but an interesting one is an embroidery by Jacquie Binns of eleven different fish – the disciples called to be “Fishers of men”.  The St Andrew’s banner, the bishop’s chair, the aumbry and numerous other objects were made by members of the congregation.

Four new windows have been installed in St Andrew’s which has opened up the church, brought light into dark areas and created a useful and pleasant area for small group meetings and refreshments after services.  Many improvements have also been made to the Undercroft Hall.

A further and more detailed description of the history of each church is available in the churches and can be used as a walk around guide.