Today and Sat 12 Sep
Fri 11 Sep:1000-1600; Sat 12 Sep:1000-1600; Free Entry.
St Stephen's Church, Church Lane, Great Wigborough, Colchester CO5 7RL
Heritage Open Day: This Medieval church was badly damaged during the Colchester Earthquake of 1884 and was subsequently rebuilt. Beautifully situated at the top of a hill, St Stephen's is a prominent landmark in the Essex countryside. From the top of the tower, there is a panoramic view of Abberton Reservoir, Mersea Island, the Blackwater Estuary, several local churches and the surrounding countryside. If the weather is fine, the tower will be open to visitors.
The only original part of the building is the 14th-century nave, which was restored following the Colchester Earthquake. The tower (1885-6) and the chancel (1889-93) were both rebuilt following the Earthquake. The clergyman designer, the Rev. Ernest Geldart, was responsible for the chancel screen and the 1894 front cover...
