North East Herts MP Oliver Heald visited the site of Thundridge’s St Mary The Virgin Church with representatives from English Heritage recently. Only the Tower of the Church remains and is part of a Mediaeval moated enclosure next to the site of the ruins of Thundridge Bury House. The Church is on the register of buildings at risk and is from Norman times with an early Saxon arch. It is an impressive ruin. The site lies in the valley of the River Rib between Thundridge and Cold Christmas.
Oliver Heald visited the Church with Deborah Priddy and Greg Luton of English Heritage, in order to see what might be done to improve the condition of this site at risk.
English Heritage are anxious to complete a full structural survey and see if there is a way in which the site might be better used. It is owned by the Church of England.
Commenting, Oliver Heald said, “English Heritage regularly produce a register of buildings at risk and I was concerned to hear of the condition of the Church of St Mary the Virgin at Thundridge. It was good to see the situation for myself, particularly as there have been concerns about vandalism. It is clear that this is a beautiful building and that it would be a major improvement to the scenery of the Rib Valley if it could be saved. English Heritage are committed to carrying out a full structural survey in conjunction with the Church Authorities. I will continue to monitor the situation.
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Tuesday 26 January 2010