Whaddon: St Mary, Whaddon
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Our 12th century church has a proud history, but is also a place of worship for 21st Century Christians.The people of Whaddon built this place for the love of God, and we do our best to keep that love alive.
The church is well supported by our village community. We are friendly and welcoming, with a variety of services each month - come to whatever suits you best! We serve refreshments after most Sunday services, and we have a fun and friendly Coffee Shop on the first Saturday of the month between 10-12. There is Toddler Church on term-time Thursdays.
You are always welcome at any of our Services. For details, go to www.buckinghambenefice.org.uk and click on Whaddon in the list of benefice churches.
Whaddon is an old Celtic word meaning “Wheat Hill”. The church is built at the top of the hill, and the original chancel and nave were completed early in the 12th century. The nave pillars still remain. One capital decoration shows the curious design of two peacocks quarrelling over a piece of bread. A duplicate of this design has been found in a church in Normandy – it is possible that the same Norman workman carved them both!
The stone font was carved in the 13th century, but the wooden cover with its beautiful carved dove is from the 20th century.
The Lady Chapel contains two Tudor tombs. One tomb is for a “Serjant-at-law” and his family, while the other is the tomb of a Lord Deputy of Ireland for Queen Elizabeth I who was one of the Commissioners responsible for trying Mary Queen of Scots.
We are particularly proud of our stained glass windows at Whaddon. The well known Victorian artist, Kemp, made the east window. His signature peacock feathers can be seen in the angels’ wings. The signed west window is by J. Bell & Son of Bristol. There are fragments of mediaeval stained glass in the east window behind the organ.
The Tower contains a ring of 6 bells together with a small Sanctus bell. Whaddon is fortunate to have a strong team of ringers. The bells are currently rung for all the major Christian Festivals as well as two Sundays a month and for local weddings. Practices are held on Tuesday evenings and the team are happy to include volunteers of any ability.
In the 21st century, we have re-sited the rear pews, repaired the floor and bought moveable (and more comfortable) chairs to create flexible arrangements - e.g. for baptisms round the font, Toddler Church, Christmas services, etc. New kneelers have been stitched by local ladies. A lovely wood and glass screen has been installed to stop the draughts from the tower, and our heating has been updated.
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- Regular Services
- Other Events
Sunday
A short form of the traditional service - no hymns on the fourth Sunday of each month!
Every fourth Sunday at 8:30 AM for ¾ hour
Our matins service is usually held at 9.30 a.m. on the third Sunday of each month
Every third Sunday at 9:30 AM for 1 hour
We have a Holy Communion service on the first Sunday of each month, starting at 10.30 a.m. Fairtrade teas and coffees are served afterwards.
Every first Sunday at 10:30 AM for 1 hour
All friends and family members are welcome. The service is for all ages, and there is an area at the rear of the church for children to play - toys, crayons, and child-sized furniture provided!
Every second Sunday at 10:30 AM for 1 hour
Saturday
Regular monthly coffee shop and cake stall, held in St. Mary's Church on the first Saturday of the month - all welcome. Coffee/tea for 50p and small cakes/slices of cake for 50p - cakes are baked and donated by lovely local volunteers. NB: For the deaf community: there is usually someone present with basic signing skills. Hearing Dogs (and all other assistance dogs) are welcome.
Monthly on the first Saturday - check our website for variations every first Saturday at 10:00 AM for 2 hours









