St Catherine's, Sacombe

St Catherine’s Church is set in a secluded position on the edge of Sacombe Park, below the hamlet of Sacombe Green, and overlooking Sacombe Pound. It is a place of great tranquillity.

There was a clerk among the tenants of the manor in 1086, so it is probable that there was a church here at that time. The first entry in the record of Rectors is dated 1217. The oldest parts of the present building, which is a Listed Building, grade 2*, date back to the Early English period (1189-1280). We are working to increase our understanding of the Christian life of our predecessors in this small community and are always pleased to share the history of the church, of which there is ample evidence in documents and stone. The Picture Gallery below shows a little of that evidence. Some colourful individuals in the commercial and political world of their day have shared this space with those who have sustained the community through their work in the fields.

The churchyard was designated a County Wildlife site, following a survey in 1996 that identified nearly 30 species of flowers and grasses, an unusually large number. Rabbits, muntjac and other deer also frequent the churchyard, and burrows in the north-east corner show that there is a vigorous population of badgers.

Although the parish of Sacombe is the smallest within the St Albans Diocese, the church is very much alive. Since 2006 it has been part of the benefice of Standon and The Mundens with Sacombe. The three churches share regular worship, based firmly on scriptural teaching. Members of all ages meet in a variety of other settings for study, discussion and prayer. Music is an important element in the life of the benefice – Sacombe and Little Munden share a choir which also meets at times with Standon’s choristers.

“Our News” below will show you Benefice services "at a glance" on a single page that can be printed. You will also find information on activities for children and young people and on small group and bible study meetings for adults. "All services and events in this benefice", further down the page, is a good overall guide to Benefice services.

May all who visit our ancient Church of St Catherine experience the peace of Jesus Christ, which has inspired the worship of Almighty God through the generations in Sacombe.

Built: About 1100