St Stephen's Church, Great Wigborough
St Stephen's Church, Church Lane, Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7RL
Beautifully situated at the top of a hill, St Stephen's is a prominent landmark in the Essex countryside. From the top of the tower, there is a panoramic view of Abberton Reservoir, Island, the Blackwater Estuary, several local churches and the surrounding countryside. If the weather is fine, the tower will be open to visitors.
The only original part of the building is the 14th-century nave, which was restored following the Colchester Earthquake. The tower (1885-6) and the chancel (1889-93) were both rebuilt following the Earthquake. The clergyman designer, the Rev. Ernest Geldart, was responsible for the chancel screen and the 1894 front cover. Historic features include an impressive hammerbeam roof, a rare octagonal font and Victorian stained glass. The building now thrives in community use. Inside the church, there are twelve 'history banners' detailing the local history of Great and Little Wigborough.
Maps of three local walks from the church can be downloaded from the church website or can also be purchased at the church.
St Stephen's Church, Church Lane, Great Wigborough, Colchester, Essex, CO5 7RL
Stunning views from the church tower.