Chelmsford Cathedral
Chelmsford, Essex
The Cathedral, part medieval, is a place of meeting, of welcome, of teaching and learning; a place to experience community, quiet, reflection and prayer.
Encapsulated in this fine Grade I listed building is evidence from each of the best known periods in English history, together with some unusual features for a village church. The almost square nave, separated from the chancel by the tower, but with no transepts gives the building a linear footprint. The two additions to the chancel are tombs.
The church stands on an ancient site occupied since Roman times. The use of Roman bricks and tiles suggests there was a building hereabouts perhaps around the 4th century. The Saxon name Boreham is pre 7th century and means 'homestead on a hill'. As the Christian faith took hold, perhaps brought by St Cedd and other monks, Roman debris was used to build a church here around the 10th or 11th century.
The first mention of a priest dates from 1066, when Engelric the priest was in charge of the Boreham Manor. By thickening the walls of the Saxon building, the Normans constructed the massive square tower, which may have been dual purpose - worship and for defence. In the early 13th century a new large nave to the west of the tower was built with a long roof, sweeping down to low side walls. The small lancet window in the west wall and the remainder of the one opposite are remnants of that original structure, and offer an insight to how it would have looked.
Around a similar time an apse would have been added to extend the simple Saxon chancel, thereby rendering the tower to a central position separating the nave and chancel with two great arches; this is a very rare feature in a small parish church.
Passing under the tower arches into the chancel, there is a squint to allow those outside to receive communion, and also evidence of pre Reformation wall paintings. Parts of the two great arches are exposed, and as you enter the church and glance down towards the tower and chancel beyond, the view generates a real sense of awe and wonder and helps to make this is a really special place.
There are two niches in the wall, each probably a piscina for priests to wash communion vessels. Attached to the chancel is the Sussex Chapel containing the splendid alabaster tombs of three Earls of Sussex. These may have been defaced during the Cromwellian period (Siege of Colchester 1648) or subsequent roof damage.