St Catherine's

Standing on a wooded hillside between Sacombe Pound and Sacombe Green, St Catherine’s has served the community for over 1000 years. The listed building has some important monuments in stone and glass.

There was a clerk among the tenants of the manor of Sacombe in 1086, so it is probable that there was a church at that time. The first entry in the record of Rectors is dated 1217. The oldest parts of the present building, which is a grade II* listed building, date back to the Early English Period (1189-1280). The churchyard was designated a County Wildlife site, following a survey in 1996. More than 60 species of flowers and grasses have been identified : rabbits, badgers, muntjac and other deer, and a barn owl, also frequent the churchyard.

Since 2005 St Catherine’s has been part of the benefice of Standon and the Mundens with Sacombe. The three churches share regular worship, based firmly on scriptural teaching.

The church was restored in 1855/6 with the roof, tower, vestry and west wall being rebuilt. The outside of the church was entirely refaced with flint. Specific features in the church include the Piscina, the purpose was originally for the priest to wash his hands and to rinse out the chalice. The two seat stone sedilia were seats for the priest and deacon to use during the singing of the Creed and Gloria. The east window dates from 1913 and was given by Alexandra Hay in memory of her husband. She recorded that it was 'symbolical of love and hope'. It was designed and executed by Henry Payne (1868-1940).

Thomas Rolt's imposing monument features military trophies. Its creator, John Michael Rysbrack (1694-1770) was one of the most eminent sculptors of his day. The marble epitaph to Elizabeth Caswall (d1815) is by John Flaxman. Rector for 31 years John Meriton (d1669) founded a charity for children of the parish. The organ was made by EJ Johnson & Son of Cambridge in 1975.

There are over 70 different kneelers made mostly in the 1970s donated by members of the parish. The churchyard, set high above a pretty valley, has superb views and shelters some ancient and interesting memorials. There are over 40 different types of lichen in the churchyard.

While the local population is very small, St Catherine’s draws congregations and visitors from across the benefice and beyond. We also welcome walkers and cyclists, individuals tracing their ancestors and those interested in the wild flowers of the churchyard. The churchyard is a designated County Wildlife Site due to the variety of native flora growing there.

Many visitors comment on the tranquil beauty of the church and the spiritual serenity they experience. Some come regularly just to sit and be at peace... may all who visit our ancient Church of St Catherine experience the peace of Jesus Christ, which has inspired the worship of Almighty God through the generations in Sacombe.