Chrishall, Holy Trinity

The Church

Chrishall is said to be the first place in Essex where Christianity took hold: in the Domesday Book the name of the village is stated as 'Cristehalla', meaning the home of Christ.

Holy Trinity is sited prominently on a hill,  a magnificent aisled perpendicular church. During the rebuilding period of the 13th and 14th centuries, a north transept was added, only to be replaced in the 15th century by the present north and south transepts. A north porch was added in the 15th century.

Between 1867- 69, the two clerestory walls, the chancel arch, its piers and parapets, and the north porch were completely rebuilt, the latter being ‘in a ruinous state’. The roofs of the nave and south aisle were also completely replaced. In 1878, the vestry was added on the north side, destroying the middle window of the chancel north wall.

A new reredos and the organ were added in 1889. The robust tower, constructed in flint in the Norman style, was restored in 1914 and contains a peal of six bells, the oldest of which date back to 1620.

It is believed that a much earlier Saxon church occupied the site. The interior of the church is notable for the effigy of Margaret de la Pole and the magnificent brass effigies for Joan Cobham and John de la Pole.