Cookham Celebrates - 1000+ years of Holy Trinity Church in the heart of the village
Holy Trinity Church, Ferry Lane, Cookham on Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 9SN
Saints and sinners, a queen and commoners, an anchoress, politicians, playwrights, artists and social reformers - the story of our church was written by the people who lived in the village. Ours is a patchwork church, whose physical architecture and changes echo the good and bad times of a rural village not far from London and owned by the Crown until 1818. From a rediscovered Saxon monastery (featured on television by Sandy Toskveig) to the recent renovations completed last year, our church has constantly evolved and adapted to serve God and our community. We love welcoming visitors all year, and this year plan to remember those who have made Holy Trinity the heart of the village with tours, activities and special celebratory services on Sunday 20th September to which all are welcome.
We will host a display from nearby Holy Trinity Primary School who use the church during the year, and hope to welcome back the Friends of Cookham Abbey who have fascinating insights into the lives of our early Saxon church family - the nuns and the sick patients for whom they cared.
This is the church that was central to Sir Stanley Spencer's vision of heaven on earth and visitors can approach from either the village or the River Thames path not far away. Even better, it is possible to complete a circuit that takes in the River Thames, once vital for defence and commerce, and the high street and independent Spencer gallery. The church is at the heart of it all.
Timings
- Saturday 12 September:
- 1100-1600 Stewarded open days with information and children's activities
- Sunday 13 September:
- 1400-1600 Stewarded tours at 1400 and 1500
- Saturday 19 September:
- 1100-1600: Stewarded open days with information and children's activities
- Sunday 20 September:
- 1030-1130 (approx ) Special service in church to celebrate Holy Trinity past, present and future
Location & directions
Holy Trinity Church, Ferry Lane, Cookham on Thames, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 9SN
- Directions:
- If visitors are able to manage the circular walk via the river please use the National Trust car park on the Moor (High Street, Cookham, SL69SG). Walk through the field to the river, turn East (downstream) towards the bridge and take the path to church via Bellrope Meadow. Church parking: By car from the North: once over the bridge, pass The Ferry pub to left and the access is to the right on the dogleg bend - take care, dangerous bend. Coming from South: the turning is on the left just after the junction with High Street. There is a branch line to Cookham station that runs from Maidenhead on the GWR. It is a brisk walk of about one mile down to the village and through it to the church There are local bus services from Maidenhead and High Wycombe.
- Contact on day:
- Sarah Stockdale
- Telephone number:
- +447788617686
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
This is a Medieval building so please be aware that there might be unevenness in the floor and exercise caution moving around. If the bell tower is available it is only accessible via a steep, narrow, circular stair. It is not suitable for small children, dogs, the frail or anyone with a heart condition or physical disability. The tower captain's decision on access is always final. There is a wheelchair ramp in the porch and internal ones to access the side chapels. Refreshments will be available on both Saturdays
Additional information
We welcome children and there will be unsupervised activities for them, including Cookham's snakes and ladders, a hunt the birds trail and find Kooky, the resident Koala. Brass rubbing may also be available.
