All Saints Church, Writtle; A brief History.
There has been a church on or around this site for well over 1000 years. The Doomsday Book of 1086 records an Anglo Saxon church. We can only speculate what that looked like, but it is the case that some stone and brick from that building were used in the building you see today. This material most likely came from the Roman settlement near by and was used in the Norman church that appeared after the Doomsday Book. In turn this was used in the ‘new’ Early English building of circa 1230. There is clear evidence of the Norman church to be seen in several places in the present church.
In 1204 King John gave the church with its 220 acres of land to the Hospice of Santo Spirito in Rome. It was agreed that when the living next fell vacant, Rome would supply lay brethren and a priest for the religious establishment at Writtle. This era lasted close on 200 years and to this day there is Roman evidence in the names ‘Romans Way and ‘Romans Place’. Most of the present church building was built during this time. “Because it always has been, and still is, a living church there have been many changes through the centuries, reflecting changes in theology and society including the great upheavals of the Reformation and Cromwell eras. Read the history of the church written by Stewart Platt and available on the book stall.
What we have today is a building full of a rich variety architectural styles and features. Look above the main door and see the wall painting of George and the dragon. Stand in the middle of the aisle facing the choir and look up at the roof beam inscribed with the names of churchwardens of 400 years ago. Look to left and see the very ancient font and beside it a staircase that used to led to the Rood Screen on top of which the Gospel used to be read. All Saints has had its disasters. The tower fell down in 1800. In 1974 and 1991 the church suffered two major fires. But we are still here and aim to give vibrant and spiritual worship Sunday by Sunday and be an open place for all to visit and spend time in quiet reflection. May God bless your visit and we look forward to welcoming you.
