St John the Evangelist
Langley, Essex
The building shows clear evidence of its Norman origins both at the crossing and in the extraordinary pillared font, with its frieze of four mermen clutching their tails. The upper part of the tower is 14th century and has a slender spire known as a 'Hertfordshire spike'.
St George's is a lucky survivor. A US bomber from nearby Nuthampstead fatally crashed on the castle mound behind the church during World War II, but miraculously its bombs did not explode. The incident is vividly depicted by Patrick Reyntiens in a memorial window in the church, which was dedicated in 2000.