St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene, Easthampstead
Deep in the forest, yet strategically placed on a hilltop, lay Easthampstead, an isolated settlement recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It is possible that it was settled before Christianity came to Berkshire in the seventh century, as the dedication of St. Michael often refers to sites converted from Paganism to Christianity. An early Church existed in 1159 but by the 1860s was in such poor condition that it was replaced by the present Church, which was dedicated in 1867.
The Church Outside
Lady Downshire of Easthampstead Park provided funds of £3,000 for rebuilding under the architect J. W. Hugall. The building is of dressed stone, ashlar, under a warm terracotta tile roof. Its style is inspired by Medieval architecture with high gables and windows with stone plate tracery. In 1977 the annexe was added to the north side to provide a meeting room and facilities.
The west tower of the Church was originally built in 1664, and an inscription by Henry Boyer to this effect can be seen, but extra stages were then added in 1867. There are pinnacles on top, the largest of which covers the towers spiral staircase. The tower houses a peal of eight bells, the earliest from 1699.
The Church Inside
Visits to the Church usually start from the massive south door. Above it is a monument to John Delane, of 1879, editor of the London Times. This paper was known as The Thunderer: when it thundered, governments fell. To the left is an ancient tub font, for Christenings, standing on a Victorian base.
As you move up the main aisle, the next bay is the tower base. When Henry VIII became head of the Church of England, royal arms boards were hung in all the Churches and here one survives from 1660, when Charles II was crowned after the fall of the Roundheads’ Parliament.
Further up the main aisle, towards the chancel, and you approach the great east window. Installed in 1876, and depicting The Last Judgement, this window is of national renown. As a memorial to the fifth Marquis of Downshire, it combines the work of William Morris and Edward Burne Jones. The use of many tones of blue, red and white gives both subtlety and drama to the window. The figures are portrayed realistically, not stylised as they are in the nearby south window. Four other windows are also by Burne Jones.
The Churchyard and Wildlife
In recognition of the wildlife interest, the churchyard was entered into the Living Churchyards and Cemeteries Project in 2002 and received an Award in 2004. Work undertaken as part of the entry into the project has included monitoring wildlife, erecting bat and bird boxes and planting wildflowers
Despite its busy urban setting, the churchyard maintains an atmosphere of calm and its grassland is a haven for wildlife. Over a hundred plant species are found here, including many traditionally found in churchyards, for example Germander speedwell (Angel’s eyes), Snowdrops (Eve’s tears) and Greater stitchwort (Easter bell). 
The tombstones support a mosaic of brightly coloured lichens and mosses. Insects use the crevices present in many of the stones for shelter, and the Stag beetle, an increasingly threatened insect which is listed on the Borough’s Biodiversity Action Plan, has been spotted here.
The oldest living organism in the churchyard is the veteran yew tree near the south gate. Its girth exceeds 13 feet and in February its male cones release drifts of pollen into the wind.
Visiting St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene Church
The Parish Church of St. Michael and Mary Magdalene Easthampstead
Crowthorne Road
Bracknell
Berkshire
RG12 7ER
You are very welcome to visit St. Michael’s Church. It is advisable to use the car park situated on the same side of the road: turn left past the first house up the hill from the Church. Parking is free.
To obtain a key to view the Church, please ring the Parish Office 1.30-4.30pm Mondays to Thursdays on 01344 425205, or telephone The Rectory on 01344 423253.
To download a copy of the leaflet on St. Michael and St. Mary Magdalene Church go to our Leaflets page.
 |
Listen |  |
Feedback |  |
