St Andrew
Cippenham, Berkshire
St Andrew’s is special, it is the first church in Britain specifically designed to be shared by the Anglican and Roman Catholic communities.
There has been a Christian presence in Taplow since the 7th century when a Norman church was built at the top of Berry Hill.
The old churchyard contains Teppa’s mound, a Saxon mound of archaeological significance where a rich horde of artefacts, including a gold belt buckle, were excavated and are now on display in the British Museum.
The Norman church was demolished in the 1820s and a new church built on the present site in the village a few years later. In 1865 the chancel was redesigned by the great architect, Sir George Gilbert Scott (1811-1878). Both the Grenfell's of Taplow Court and the Astor's of Cliveden had connections with the rebuild in 1912, when the much lager nave was constructed. Memorial Brasses include Nicholas of Amerden, c1350, and this brass is thought to be the earliest surviving civilian commemorative brass in the world. Also, the Manfield Brasses, c1455, which were moved to St Nicolas from the old church.
Stained glass windows of note include eight Baron Arild Rosenkrantz's. He (a descendant of the character in Hamlet) lived in High Street, Taplow in 1912-13 and is known is his striking use of colour.
The site of the original church is still accessible, in the grounds of Taplow Court, where a cross and some gravestones remain. Close to the original site is Bapsey Pool where Birinus, Bishop of Dorchester, baptised converts in the year 635.
We are in the centre of the village community and our policy is Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors.