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| There has been a Christian community in Wycombe for nearly 1000 years, and we, the present congregation, are the inheritors of their predecessors' task of building the Kingdom in this part of England. We welcome all visitors, including groups from local schools. | ||
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Bishop Wulfstan of Worcester consecrated the first church on the site over 900 years ago, at about the time of the Domesday survey. The builders used some materials from an even earlier age - it is still possible to see Roman stone in the walls, from a nearby 2nd century villa. |
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The building was extended during the reign of Henry II, when the church was bestowed on the Abbey of Godstow. The church was rebuilt in 1275. |
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By 1509 the central tower was causing concern, and was taken down. A new tower was completed in 1522, and the pinnacles were added in 1755. The tower now contains a fine peal of thirteen bells.
The church was further restored in the 19th century, and again in the late 20th century, when a central stone platform was added. An ambulatory was also created, which shows a clear view of the memorials to Lady Sophia Petty, by Agostino Carlini, and to Henry Petty, by Peter Scheemakers. Clear glass replaced opaque green glass in some windows, which brightened the building considerably.
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"These stones that have echoed their praises are holy, and dear is the ground where their feet have once trod" William Draper (1855-1933), Hymn 208 (NEH)
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