Benefield, St Mary

This sumptuous tractarian church was erected in 1848 through their munificence, designed by John Macduff Derick and was further enhanced by Sir Ninian Comper, c. 1900 – reredos 1897, rood screen 1904. The latter is topped by three coats of arms, those of the Bishop of Peterborough, the Royal Family in London and the Watts Russell Family at Biggin Hall. Derick seems to have incorporated some misericords which were formerly at Fotheringhay. For those who admire polychrome Victorian churches, this is a must, but for others the single tomb may not be sufficient to take them away from the 17th or 18th centuries. On the north aisle you will find the Watts Russell Chapel created in 1926 in the Wren-Naissance style. In its fittings it owes a great deal to Christopher Wren’s London churches. It is I think unique in the County&...rsquo;s parish churches, though there is similar work in the Cathedral. Like Wren’s monument in St. Pauls, though if you want a grander memorial to the family “look around you”.

Please refer to the Glossary for any terms in the text that you are unfamiliar with.