St John the Baptist with Our Lady & St Laurence
Thaxted, Essex
Simon Jenkins, when chairman of the national trust, wrote 'Thaxted is the Queen of Essex and her crown is the church'.
This atmospheric and remote pre Conquest church is set within a ring of trees, beside a lane leading to Chickney Hall.
Approaching from the west one first sees the 14th century tower, capped by an elegant pyramid style shingled spire. Beyond are the Saxon nave and chancel, extended eastwards early in King Henry III's reign.
The unspoilt interior is a delight, with its brick floors, 14th century king post roof, richly carved 15th century font, Georgian pulpit, and squint giving a view to the altar with its medieval mensa slab.