St Mary the Virgin, Walkern

We are a non-religious group that is interested in churches and other places of worship – their architecture, monuments, art and history – and the people who have been associated with them over the years. Today we will visit St Mary the Virgin, Walkern, near Stevenage. We will have an informal talk about the church building and history, then time to wander round at our leisure.

The oldest part of the building is an Anglo-Saxon wall and there is a pre-Norman rood carved in chalk. However, like most English parish churches, it has been extended and altered many times. The 13th Century was busy: the Chancel and Chancel arch were rebuilt and the north aisle added. The tower was built in 14th Century and so on...

The church is also associated with Jane Wenham. She was the last person in England to be condemned for witchcraft, though she was ultimately pardoned in 1712.  

The White Lion should be open if you wish to lunch there, but please check closer to the time. The Brewery Tea Room should also be open for lunch and/or afternoon tea; the website advises you to book a table.

Getting there

The church is in a road called Church End, a turning off the northern end of the High Street.  Go along the lane, cross the River Beane and you will find the church on your left and parking on the right (please don't spread out too much!). The postcode is SG2 7PB. Here it is in Google Maps. 

Note there is a short flight of shallow steps up to the church from the street. Here is a picture in Google Street View.  

Tickets

Book your place here: tickets are £5pp, LALG members only. (To buy one, click on the link at the beginning of this section.  Make sure you click through the pre-authorisation screen and then the registration (payment) screen - you will get a reference number when your payment has gone through. Don't worry if your card company asks for £0 authorisation - the correct amount will show on the next LALG screen and will be the amount you finally approve and will be deducted.)  All money will go to the church.

Please remember that a refund will not be given if you drop out for any reason unless someone from the waiting list (if we have one) takes your place.