St Martha's Hill facts for kids
St Martha's Hill is a famous hill in Surrey, England. It sits between the town of Guildford and the village of Chilworth. This hill is the 18th highest in Surrey. It is part of the Greensand Ridge, a line of hills. From the top, you can see amazing views of Newland's Corner. This area is part of the beautiful Surrey Hills AONB.
The hill is home to a historic church. This church is the main building in the small area of St Martha. It has parts from a church built in the 1100s. The church was rebuilt between 1848 and 1850. Many people use it for weddings. The old Pilgrims' Way path also crosses this hill.
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Discovering St Martha's Hill History
This hill has a very long history. People have found ancient tools and items here. Some of these items date back to 3500 BCE. That's over 5,500 years ago!
Ancient Discoveries on the Hill
Below the church, there are five round earthworks. Experts believe these date back to the Bronze Age. They were explored in 1953. Sadly, one was removed when a water tank was built.
Why is it Called St Martha's Hill?
There are different ideas about the hill's name. Some believe it was first called Saints and Martyrs Hill. The martyr might have been Thomas Becket, a famous saint. Another idea is that the chapel was named after its location. It was on a "marterhill." A local story says early Christians were burned here long ago. This gave the hill its name.
The Good Friday Custom
An interesting old custom took place on St Martha's Hill. People would gather here every Good Friday. This tradition seemed to continue until the late 1800s.
Here is what was said about it:
"A custom, the origin of which is lost in the obscurity of time, prevails in the neighbourhood of Guildford of making a pilgrimage to St. Martha's (or Martyr's) Hill on Good Friday. Thither from all the countryside youths and maidens, old folks and children, betake themselves, and gathered together on one of the most beautiful spots in Surrey, in full sight of an old Norman church which crowns the green summit of the hill, beguile the time with music and dancing. Whatever the origin of this pilgrimage to St. Martha's, it is apparently one that commends itself to the taste of the present generation."
It sounds like a fun community event! People would come from all over. They would enjoy music and dancing on the hill.
Exploring St Martha's Church
St Martha's Church is also called St Martha-on-the-Hill. It is a very important building. Historic England has given it a special Grade II listing. This means it is protected for its history. The church is at the very top of the hill. You can only reach it by walking.
The Church's Unique Features
This church is the only one in Surrey on the Pilgrims' Way. It even appeared briefly in a 1944 movie called A Canterbury Tale. An older church stood here in the 1100s. But it fell apart by the 1700s. The church was rebuilt from 1848 to 1850. The architect, Henry Woodyer, kept many original parts. These include the old Norman arches at the entrance. He also kept the zig-zag windows on the tower.
Inside, the church is simple and calm. Most of the things inside are from after 1850. But there is a special font from the 1100s. It was reshaped in 1850. You can also see old carvings on the outside stones. People often carved dates into them. The church may have been built as a guide for travelers. It might have helped pilgrims on their way to Canterbury or Winchester Cathedrals.
Dedication and Special Events
The church is dedicated to Saint Martha. This is rare in England. There are only three churches with this dedication. One is in Broxtowe near Nottingham. The third is a Methodist church in Tring, Hertfordshire. During the Christmas season, the church is lit up.
Famous People Buried Here
The churchyard is a peaceful place. It holds the ashes of actress and singer Yvonne Arnaud. Her memorial is here. You can also find the grave of Bernard Freyberg. He was a very brave soldier from New Zealand. He won the Victoria Cross medal in 1916. This is one of the highest awards for bravery. He also won other awards. A special service was held for him at the church in 2007. The New Zealand High Commissioner attended.
Nature and Environment on St Martha's Hill
The eastern part of St Martha's Hill is very important for nature. It is part of Colyers Hanger Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). This area has special heathland plants. These include plants that like acidic soil. Other parts of the hill also have old heathland plants.
The western part of St Martha's Hill is registered as common land. This means it is land that local people can use.
The hill reaches a height of 574 feet (175 meters). This makes it the 18th highest hill in Surrey. Like many tall hills in Surrey, it is part of the Greensand Ridge.
Close to the bottom of the hill is Chilworth Manor.
