With the wealth of the forest and a plentiful supply of water, Binfield was an attractive place for Iron Age people and later Saxon tribes to settle. They cleared the woodland for fields and gave Binfield its name. Christianity came to Berkshire in the seventh century, and the tradition of Christian worship has remained unbroken to this day.
The Church Outside
In an area so rich in timber, Binfield’s first Church was probably built of wood. However, with no local stone to cut for building the masons of the 1350s settled for local materials when constructing the church which for the most part still stands today. The curious pebbly ironstone conglomerate of the heathlands was collected to make a durable outer surface for the rubble walls, bonded together with lime mortar. In Victorian times the east end of the Church was rebuilt, using knapped (or split) flint, and this can be easily spotted because of its different appearance.
The Church also has a puddingstone tower which was added in the 1400s, before the local brick industry began to flourish, and battlements and a stir turret which were added in Victorian Times. There is a ring of five bells all dating from 1698, and a new treble bell provided in 1882. The clock mechanism present dates back to the mid-1700s, and was a great innovation in its day.
The Church Inside
Entering under the original axe-hewn beams of the porch and carved chalkstone arch you are in the people’s part of the church, the nave, with it’s striking timbered roof supported on great octagonal stone pillars, and flagstone floor. There is a simple Norman tub font, with a lead lining, which dates from about 1100 and is the oldest of Binfield’s treasures.
The original stone altar, delicately worked stained glass, colourful murals and statuary, which were all common to Churches constructed at the time, would have been swept away as ‘abominations’ in the Reformation of the 1530s when Henry VIII became head of the Church. However, there does remain some carefully preserved glass from the middle ages set in the south window. There is also a brass to Walter de Anneforde of 1361 set in the floor, and another to Richard Turner of 1558, made up of three earlier brasses. The pulpit dates from 1628 and, with its sounding board above to improve audibility, marks the emphasis given to preaching at this time. There is an hourglass beside the pulpit which dates from 1636.
Near the south door is a monument of 1791, to Catherine Macauley Graham, a great historian and ardent republican of her time. It has a classical design, including as it does a wreath of laurel.
With Victorian Times came the great age of personal giving to the Church and the funds allowed great changes to be made. A north aisle and vestry were constructed in 1847. In 1848 the church was given its organ, and in 1859 the famous Victorian architect Benjamin Ferrey was commissioned to redesign the Church. He had the east end, or chancel, rebuilt with a fine barrel roof and the great east window glazed to depict Christ in Majesty.
The Churchyard and Wildlife
Standing on a hillside overlooking the surrounding countryside of Binfield, All Saints churchyard is a place for quiet contemplation and reflection. The churchyard, with the old graves standing in flowery grassland, is a haven for wildlife. Over a hundred different wildflowers flourish, including: Wood Anemone (Candlemas cups), Cowslip (Keys of Heaven), Germander speedwell (Angel’s eyes), Field woodrush (God’s grace) and Lady’s bedstraw. Some of the grassland is left uncut until late July to allow the wildflowers to seed, providing a wonderful tapestry of colour from April, when the shorter meadow flowers blossom, through the waving grasses of June to the brilliant dash of high summer colour with the Purple knapweed in July.
Many birds benefit from the seclusion and rich feeding grounds, including Mistle thrush and Nuthatch. Butterflies that depend on grassland, including the Meadow brown and gatekeeper, may be seen in late summer.
The lichens covering many of the headstones are a speciality of churchyards, some of which may be almost as old as the monuments themselves.
Visiting All Saints Church
You are very welcome to visit All Saints Church. If you would like to go inside, please make a prior arrangment to get the door unlocked by telephoning The Vicarage on 01344 454406
All Saints and St Mark's, Binfield
The Rectory
Terrace Road North
Binfield
Berkshire
Rector: Reverend Bill Meyer
Tel: 01344 454406
Email: bill@bmeyer.freeserve.co.uk
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