Fyfield, St Nicholas

Started about 50 years into the Norman administration, St Nicholas had early claim to distinction as the final resting place for the headless body of Henry, Lord Scrope, who was executed on the eve of Agincourt and later was accorded a scathing mention by Shakespeare in Henry V.

The building is untypical in its centrally-placed tower, the second stage of which is reached by a spiral stair exhibiting a very early use in England of custom-made bricks in the newel pillar.

The building we see today was largely complete by the time of the Black Death and its most celebrated feature is the virtually unspoilt interior of the 14th century chancel. A stepped sedilia of limestone and purbeck marble offers interesting clues about later changes to the building. Carvings around the east window which, with commendable foresight, were hidden from the Puritans by a thick layer of plaster have been revealed and they depict beasts of the chase as well as a profusion of different heads.

The organ was commissioned a century ago by the rector of the day, an accomplished musician. Although small, it is one of the finest parish church organs in Essex.

Today, the church is part of a joint benefice with three neighbouring parishes and it continues to serve the spiritual needs of local residents.

Postcode: CM5 0SB

Website: www.fyfield-village.org

Opening Times
Daily (Conducted tours of the church are available by arrangement with the churchwarden, e-mail: mdain@onetel.com)

Telephone: 01277 899 590

Service Times

1st Sunday	11am	Morning Prayer
2nd Sunday	11am	Holy Communion CW
4th Sunday	6pm	Holy Communion 1662