St Michael and All Angels Church, Hughenden Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids St Michael and All Angels, Hughenden
St Michael and All Angels' Parish Church
St Michael and All Angels, Hughenden Location in Buckinghamshire
51°39′6.45″N 0°45′9.36″W / 51.6517917°N 0.7526000°W / 51.6517917; -0.7526000
Location	Hughenden Valley, Buckinghamshire
Country	United Kingdom
Denomination	Church of England
History
Status	Parish church
Founded	c. 1100–1135
Founder(s)	Geoffrey de Clinton
Architecture
Heritage designation	Listed Grade: II*
Style	Early English, extended Victorian Gothic
Administration
Parish	Hughenden
Deanery	Wycombe
Archdeaconry	Buckingham
Diocese	Oxford
Province	Canterbury

St Michael and All Angels' Church is a very old and important church in Hughenden Valley, Buckinghamshire, England. It is close to High Wycombe. This church is a "Grade II* listed building," which means it is a special historic place.

The church is strongly connected to Hughenden Manor, a nearby historic house. It is also famous because Benjamin Disraeli, a former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, is buried in its churchyard. The land around the church belongs to the National Trust, but the church and its burial ground are part of the Church of England.

History of the Church
- Early Beginnings: 12th Century Church
- Benjamin Disraeli's Connection
Church Architecture and Design
Church in Film and Television
Images for kids
See also

History of the Church

Benjamin Disraeli's tomb

Early Beginnings: 12th Century Church

Records show that a church stood here a very long time ago. It was built by Geoffrey de Clinton between 1100 and 1135. Monks also started a small priory (a type of monastery) in a building that is now the parish hall. The oldest part of the church today, the chancel and north chapel, comes from this original medieval building.

Benjamin Disraeli's Connection

In 1848, Benjamin Disraeli bought Hughenden Manor. He was a very important person in British history. Disraeli served as the British Prime Minister twice, first in 1868 and then from 1874 to 1880. He was given the title Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876.

The church itself was repaired and made larger between 1874 and 1890. Disraeli passed away in 1881. He was buried in the family vault at the west wall of the church. His wife, Lady Beaconsfield, who died in 1872, is also buried there. Queen Victoria could not attend Disraeli's private funeral because of royal rules. However, she visited his tomb a few days later to show her respect.

Church Architecture and Design

Building Materials and Oldest Parts

The outside walls of St Michael and All Angels' Church are made of flint stone. This is a common building material in the area. The church also has stone decorations and tiled roofs.

The oldest part of the church is the chancel. This section was once the main body of the original medieval church.

Victorian Decorations and Art

The rich Victorian decoration in the chancel

When the church was made larger, the floor was covered with special ceramic tiles. These tiles were designed by Edward William Godwin. The walls were also decorated with beautiful paintings in 1881. These paintings show scenes like the birth of Jesus, the Four Evangelists (who wrote the Gospels), and the Prophets.

Queen Victoria's Memorial to Disraeli

After Disraeli's death, Queen Victoria had a special memorial built for him. It is on the north side of the chancel. This was the only memorial a reigning monarch ever put up for one of their subjects in an English parish church. The words on the memorial say:

To the dear and honoured memory of Benjamin Earl of Beaconsfield.
This memorial is placed by his grateful sovereign and friend Victoria R.I. "Kings loveth him that speaketh right"

Next to the memorial, you can see the Banner and Insignia of the Order of the Garter. These items came from St George's Chapel, Windsor.

Stained-Glass Windows and Pulpit

The church has many beautiful stained-glass windows. Some were made by famous artists like Thomas Willement and Clayton and Bell. The large East Window, made in 1881, shows Christ in Majesty. It was also put in place to remember Disraeli.

The pulpit (where the priest gives sermons) is very detailed. It is made of carved marble and alabaster and was created around 1891. It features statues of archangels like Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel.

Ancient Knight Statues

Inside the church, there are three old statues of knights lying down. One of them has crossed legs. Even though they look like they are from the 13th century, experts have found that these statues were actually made in the 16th century. It is thought they were created to show that the Wellesbourne family was connected to a famous historical figure, Simon I de Montfort.

Church in Film and Television

St Michael and All Angels' Church has been used as a filming location for several productions.

It appeared in the opening credits of Gerry Anderson's 1969 TV show The Secret Service.
The church was also briefly seen in the movie Johnny English. It was used for a funeral scene in the film.
The famous actress Judi Dench filmed a scene for the movie Victoria & Abdul in the church grounds. Another scene for the film was shot at Hughenden Manor.