St John The Baptist is a Church of England located in the village of Hillesden, Buckinghamshire, England. The church dates back to the 12th century and was allegedly founded in response to Pagan worship on the nearby White Horse Hill.
The interior of the church has been left largely untouched by the Victorians, and as a result it boasts rare 14th century wall paintings depicting Peter, Paul, Herod, and Salomé (with the Baptist’s head on a platter), beautiful medieval stained glass, and exceptional 15th to 17th century woodwork, including fine bench ends, panelling, pulpit, and rood screen. The church also features a stunning font that is said to be one of the best in Buckinghamshire.
Despite its rich heritage, the church fell into disrepair and was placed on the English Heritage ‘At Risk’ Register, and even faced imminent closure. However, the local community rallied around to save their beautiful local landmark, and a restoration project began in the summer of 2015. As a result of the restoration, the church has been taken off the ‘At Risk’ Register and is now open for visitors to enjoy.
The church’s bench ends are particularly noteworthy, with intricate carvings depicting a variety of scenes and figures. One bench end features St Christopher carrying the baby Jesus across a river, while another depicts the legend of the Green Man, a figure from folklore who symbolizes rebirth and renewal. Some of the bench ends feature mythical creatures such as dragons and griffins, and others depict everyday life in the village, such as peasants tending to their fields.
The church’s rood screen is another highlight, featuring detailed carvings of saints and angels. The screen originally separated the nave from the chancel, and was used to support a large crucifix. Unfortunately, the crucifix was destroyed during the Reformation, but the rood screen remains a beautiful piece of woodwork.
The church’s pulpit is equally impressive, with carvings of the four evangelists and their symbols. The pulpit dates back to the 17th century, and is one of the best examples of its kind in the county of Buckinghamshire.
The church also features some beautiful stained glass, including a striking window featuring a figure of St John the Baptist. The window dates back to the 15th century and is thought to be one of the oldest in the church.
Overall, St John The Baptist is a beautiful example of a medieval English church, with a rich history and a wealth of impressive woodwork, stained glass, and wall paintings. Thanks to the efforts of the local community, the church has been saved and restored for future generations to enjoy.
Posted by Oxfordshire Churches on 2015-04-23 06:22:48