St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church, Essex

St Peter Ad Vincula's Church, Coggeshall

Church Details

Visited: 06/04/2015
Locking Status: Open during daytime hours - this can vary though - so avoid very early or very late attempts to visit.
Built: C15
Restoration: c.1851-69 (general); 1955-8 (N wall, tower, roof)
Restoration Architect: E. Christian; Dykes Bower
Website: http://www.st-peter-ad-vincula.org.uk/

St Peter ad Vincula translates to St Peter in Chains, and this is one of just a few in the country with this dedication - one of which was a parish church (now a Chapel Royal) within the walls of the Tower of London. === This church was bombed on 16th September 1940, when the nave roof, north arcading and north aisle roof were destroyed (see images below).

External Images

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Internal Images

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Glass Images

St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - The text towards the bottom of each of the seven panels reads: Hail thou that are highly favoured - the Lord is with thee === My soul doth magnify the Lord === Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy === The word was made flesh and dwelt among us === Lord now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace === Thou art my beloved son - in thee I am well pleased.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - In this window is shown forth the life and martyrdom of St Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ === Peter was kept in prison, but prayer was made without ceasing of the Church unto God for him === To the Glory of God and in memory of Joseph Smith Surridge, 21 years Churchwarden of this parish, who fell asleep July 23 1888.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - And behold the angel of the Lord came upon him, and raised hm up, saying "Arise up quickly" === To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Emily Freeman, departed this life April 1908. Erected by her husband H.S. Freeman.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Aliza Leaper who died ??? aged 68, and of William Leaper who died ???

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Given in memory of Alfred Theodore Jockel by his wife.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Given by Cyril Fairhead in memory of his parents, 1974.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - To thee, all angels cry aloud === Saint Raphael === Saint Michael === Saint Gabriel

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Holy holy holy - Lord God of Sabaoth === Cherubim === Seraphim === Cherubim

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - The Glorious company of the Apostles praise thee === Saint Peter === Saint John === Saint James

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Hatchment Images

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Monument Images

St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Here lyeth Sir Mark Guyon Knight. Anno Domini 1690.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of the honourable ROBERT TOWNSEND Esq, son of Robert Townsend in this Town Gentleman. He was an Officer in the Seven ever memorable Campaigns under the late glorious Dukeof MARLBOROUGH, and at the Time of his Death, Colonel in the King's First Regiment of Foot-Guards; in which Posts from faithful and approv'd Services He merited the valuable Character of a brave and experienc'd Soldier. The distinguishing Qualities of a Gentleman he possess'd in so eminent a degree, that the Esteem he justly deserv'd. All who knew him Liberally gave, and if any were wanting in that Esteem to them He was not known. Reader may the Particulars of his good Character, (as he himself wou'd desire) live rather in thy Imitation, than his extraordinary Praises; and be Thou an Instance of his laudable Worth, and Goodness. He died November 26 1728, Aged 46, lamented by many Friends, by none more than his only Surviving Brother Mr WILLIAM TOWNSEND; who erected this monument.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Jane Boehm - born ye 8th of Aug 1737, died ye 19th May 1738: she was daughter of Charles Boehm of London and Jane his wife, daughte of Richard Du Cane Esq of Coggeshall. === Elisabeth, Twin sister of the above Jane died 26th September 1738. === Jane Boehm the second, born ye 4th December 1738 died 13th April 1740?. === Richarda Boehm sister of the above born 26th June, died 27th September 1742.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Here lies (near the remains of his Ancestors) the Body of Mr William Boys Gent. Eldest son of the Revd Mr James Boys late Vicar of this Parish. He married Hester the youngest daughter of John Cox Esqr, and Ann his wife who was the daughter of Major General Haynes of Copford Hall in this County. John Cox was of Emmanuel College in Cambridge and of Grays Inn London Barrister at Law and (late) of Mount Hall in this Parish. A Gentleman justly esteemed and respected as an eminent and able Councellour an Honest and upright Man and a good Christian. Hester, wife of the said Mr William Boys departed this life May 30th 1742. Aged 53 years and was buried in this chancel, whereby by his own desire his remains are also Interr'd after a long life spent in Peity and good works his great care and study in particular was to instruct the poor and ignorant in the knowledge of their Cristian Duty. Witness the many Good Books that he dispersed for that purpose, witness that charitable donation to the parish of Great Bardfield to perpetuate the same pious design to the end of the world. Thus lived this good Man and thus he died July 25th 1768 Aged 83 Years. === Beatus fervus ille, quem, quum venerit Domninus Ejus invenerit ita facientem. === The Revd M. John Harrison, nephew and executor to the deceased, to testify his respect to his memory, caused this monument to be erected.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Memoria Sacrum === GULIELMI FULLER === Hujus parochia === Generosi, Cujus animi probitas, Morumq: Integritas, In Deum Pietas, Erga Socios Equitas. === Omnibus qui Illum reapse norint, Clarissime Effulserunt. Has Virtutes fervidas (quo dipse maluisset) Non flammam sed lucem. Eficientes nos visuros Credite posteri. Morti cessit die May 15th Anno Domini 1748 Etatis 68. === Hoc Marmor nitidum Tam charo capiti Grates persolvens dignas HENRICUS FULLER, Filius ejus superstes, Humillime Dat. Dicat. Dedicat.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - In memory of Henry Skingley, who departed this life Aug 3rd 1793 aged 53 years. === Pause here ye friends, whose footsteps this way tend. Times on the Wing, soon will your moments end. Perhaps you boast of Health and Wealth enjoy. Death in an instant can your Hopes destroy. Forsake the Path of Vice that fatal Road. Fix your dependance on your Saviour's Blood. Now, in the Space for true Repentance given; Learn to do well, and walk the road to Heaven, Now bend your thoughts on that eternal Reft, Where Sorrows cease, and be forever blest. === Also of Mary his wife who departed this left November 30th 1815, Aged 75 years.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - RICHARD MEREDITH WHITE died January 3rd 1796 Aged 58 years. === He that hath Pity upon the Poor lendeth unto the Lord; and that which he hath given, will pay him again.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Hoc marmor, memoriam filioli hocce in templo conditi, EDWARDI COLHAM MATHEW, nati Jul:26; Mortui Dec:21, 1820; In aeternum proferre voluit pater, hujus parochiaem, vicarius Necnon patruelis, carissimae, HELENES MARIAE MATHEW. Quae, a parentibus multum desiderata, annos quindecim apud Anglos commorata. In patriam tandem reversa; vix prius visa quam extincta, heu vitae nimia brevitas! Anno aetatis undevicesimo, Calcuttae February:10, 1822; animam efflavit. === Germen flosque, novo subsecti tempore veris; caelo vos numen fronde virere sinat.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of the RICHARD WHITE TOWNSEND who died July 7th 1823 Aged 32 years. === Also of HELEN EMM TOWNSEND who died September 30th 1818, Aged 8 months. === And of his son ARTHUR TOWNSEND, died November 3rd 1879, Aged 63 Years. Buried at Shalstone, Bucks.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of the Revd John Duddell, Rector of Wormington Gloucestershire, and for thirty three years curate of this town, who died January 8th 1826, aged 82 years. === And also to Margarett his widow who died the first day of November 1833 aged 83 years. === By whose daughter Ann the wife of Henry Skingley Esqr this monument was erected.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of Thomas Andrew Esq of this town, Solicitor. Whose mortal remains lie deposited in a vault near this spot. === He was removed from the midst of Health, Enjoyment and Prosperity by an Instantaneous death: without one previous fear or moment's warning. On the 27th of June A.D. 1826 - In the 53rd Year of his age. === "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of Man cometh."

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - This tablet is placed as a small tribue of respect, esteem and regard to the Memory of MARY ANN the beloved and affectionate wife of the Revd N.R. DENNIS M.A. Chaplain to his Majestys Forces and eldest Daughter of MR TOWNSEND of Ferriers. She died near Villa de Conde in Portugal on the 8th of March 1827, aged 38 years.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of Henry Skingley Esqr, who died July 5th 1837, aged 68 years and of Ann, his widow, who after surviving him 23 years died August 14th 1860, aged 79. === Her remains rest in the vault of her family in this church yard. === "Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord."

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Sacred to the memory of Henry Skingley, son of Henry and Catherine Skingley, of Wakes Hall in this county, who died April 1st 1839, aged 1 year and 10 months. === "Of such is the kingdom of God" - Mark X. 14 === Ere six could blight or sorrow fade, death came with friendly care; the opening bud to heaven convey'd, and bade it blossom there.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - In a vault in the middle aisle of this church are deposited the remains of MR MARK GUYON, late of White Colne, who died May 31st 1839 aged 47 years. === This tablet was erected by his beloved wife.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - In memory of Charles Joseph Skingley Esq. Second son of the late Henly Skingley Esq. and Ann his wife, of this parish, who departed this life on the 9th March 1853 aged 43 years. His remains are deposited in the chancel of this church. This tablet is erected by his two surviving brothers.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - In memory of Susan Bowles, the beloved wife of Major G.D. Skingley, who died 14th October 1878, aged 47. === "She is not dead but sleepeth." === Also of Major G.D. Skingley, who died 16th June 1888, aged 76. === Buried at Kensal Green.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - To the Glory of God and in memory of JAMES DUKE HILL, formerly of Terlings, Harlow, Essex. Born 11th May 1834, died 29th Septemner 1901. A deputy Lieutenant of the City of London, and a Justice of the Peace for the County of Hertfordshire. === Also of MARIANNE his wife, born 16th March 1842, died 2nd March 1921. === This tablet is erected by their eldest son REGINALD DUKE HILL of Holfield Grange, Coggeshall, as a token of gratitude and affection to his parents. === "Honour thy father and thy mother; that thy days may be long in the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee."

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Miscellaneous Images

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - This tablet is erected to record the bequest of £3333.6.8 by the late Major G.D. Skingley, to the Vicar and Churchwardens for the time being, of Great Coggeshall. By his will he directed that the said sum should be invested by them, for the yearly augmentation of the living. A.D. 1904.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - This organ was given A.D. 1839 for the use of the congregation assembling for public worship in this church, by H.C.J and G.D. Skingley Esqrs according to the wish of their father, the late H. Skingley Esqr.

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Postcard Images

St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - Postcard of St Peter's from the 1900s.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

Showing the church from the North - assumed (from another photo) date September 1939.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

Showing "The Belfry Tower" - dated September 1939.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

Assumed date September 1939.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

"The Belfry Tower" - dated September 1940.

On 16th September 1940, the church was bombed. The nave roof was destroyed, which pulled down some of the N wall and arcading with it. Part of the tower was also seriously damaged.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

"From the foot of the Tower showing destruction of the North Wall and roof." - dated September 1940.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

"From where the North wall previously stood - showing part of undamaged chancel and South aisle." - dated September 1940.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

"From the choir stalls, showing only remaining part of North wall." - dated September 1940.

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St Peter ad Vincula, Coggeshall Church - One of a series of 8 photos bought on eBay. Photographer unknown.

"From the altar steps. Showing the ruined nave." - dated September 1940.

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