Heritage Open Day

Saturday 11th September 2021

St Stephen’s Church, Great Wigborough, took part, for the first time, in the national initiative to open historic buildings to the public, free of charge; entitled Heritage Open Days.

We had a number of visitors throughout the day. Whilst most people were from Essex, we did have one person travel from Lincolnshire who was interested in visiting as many churches as possible.

As it was a beautifully bright and clear day, many people chose to take advantage of the tower being open. From this vantage point it is possible to enjoy a most extensive view, one of the finest in Essex. One can see Salcott Creek, the Blackwater, Abberton Reservoir and Nature Reserve and Mersea Island to the open sea. While we boast that five local churches can be viewed from the tower, one visitor brought along his telescope and many more were then viewed!

Back in the main body of the Medieval Church, visitors were able to read about local history from the information banners recently commissioned. These detail the Great Essex Earthquake, the crash landing of the Zeppelin at little Wigborough, along with information about long gone schools, local farming and the beautiful stained-glass windows.

And no open day at St Stephen’s would be complete without a welcoming cup of freshly brewed coffee and a wealth of homemade cakes from which to choose!

We had many positive comments on the day and have vowed to open again next year for the Heritage Open days.