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St Faith's

Fine late 14th century church in lovely rural setting on the Hertfordshire Way.

Kelshall, Hertfordshire

Opening times

The church is open at all times.

Address

St Faith
Church Lane
Kelshall
Hertfordshire
SG8 9SF

St Faiths is located at the northern end of the Chiltern escarpment in the village of Kelshall, near Royston.

The church is a Grade II* listed example of the late perpendicular period with very little alteration, significant restoration work in the 19th century being confined to the chancel. Sculpted faces at the entrance to the porch are believed to be of King Richard II and Bishop John Fordham, Bishop of Ely when the church was built.

Of its original features the roof stands out, displaying colourful medieval patterns of decoration. At the juncture between the nave and chancel the lower section of a rood screen has been preserved with painted figures of St Edmond and Edward the Confessor and Bishops. A higher level door indicates the existence of an earlier loft. A parvise over the porch accessed by its own spiral staircase originally housed a school.

A monument of particular note is the brass of Richard Adeane dated 1435 which is the earliest known brass bearing the inscription found elsewhere 'Executors are covetous and keep what they find'!

The church features both Pipestrelles and Brown Long Eared bats and some of the rarest lichens to be found have been recorded. It is located on the Hertfordshire Way and ramblers are welcomed and by arrangement kitchenette and WC facilities can be made available.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • National heritage here

  • Wildlife haven

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Non-accessible toilets in church

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • The church has a service each Sunday at 9am featuring a diversity of service models including an informal Service of the Word, one according to the Book of Common Prayer and 'Breakfast Church'. Services can be accessed online.

  • One off concerts, exhibitions and school visits are encouraged and organised.

  • Church of England

  • Partnership Grant, £7,500, 2016

  • Our Partnership Grants funded a range of repair projects, recommended by County Church Trusts, to help keep churches open.

  • Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant, £5,000, 2021

  • The grant will support internal plaster and stonework repairs, and window repairs.

Contact information

HertfordshireKELSHALLStFaith(bikeboyCC-BY-SA2.0)1 BikeBoy

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