OXFORD DIOCESE PILGRIM PROJECT
st mary the virgin, speen
Welcome to St Mary’s Church, which has stood on this site for over a thousand years. It is almost certainly the oldest church in the Newbury area. Speen has been linked with the Roman Spinae, making it possible that it has been a place of Christian worship for around two thousand years. The church has been threatened with closure in the past; once in the 1980s and again in 2002. Today, the church is thriving with a strong lay leadership and a growing congregation. The stained glass windows in the foyer are excellent
a mausoleum in the grounds of Benham Valance. It is
examples of Victorian workmanship. The one on the
by the renowned Venetian sculptor, Antonio Canova.
right is from parishioners in gratitude to the Revd
The north wall is also home to a set of monuments to
Henry Majendie (Vicar of Speen 1819-1870) who, at
the Wyld family by the sculptor John Bacon, a favourite
his own expense, carried out an extensive restoration
of George III. Remember those you have loved who are
in 1859-60. Pray for the clergy and laity who lead
no longer with us. Give thanks for their lives.
worship in this place today. Look out for the small door leading to the bell tower. You are now standing in the nave. On your left is a
The bells are rung every Sunday and on special
stone font which is the start of many people’s Christian
occasions. Further along the north wall are the
pilgrimage and on the wall behind is a statue of The
Stations of the Cross which were gifted by the monks
Blessed Virgin Mary and Child. Pray for new beginnings
of Elmore Abbey. Give thanks for all those who have
in your own life. Remember any godchildren, children
prayed in this place in the past. Pray for the church
or grandchildren you may have.
community today.
The wall monument is in memory of the Margrave of
The fretted screen separates the nave and choir.
Anspach, a nephew of Frederick the Great of Prussia.
Stand here and look back: almost at the end is a rood
The Margrave died in 1806 and is believed to be
beam placed here when the church was remodelled
buried in the churchyard. The marble was originally in
in 1859-60. Opposite the organ is a sounding board
from the old Jacobean pulpit. The alms plate is 18th
The two effigies are of Sir John Baptiste Castilion and
Century. The sanctuary window on the left contains
his daughter-in-law, Elizabeth. Sir John was made a
fragments of mediæval stained glass. In the corner
Privy Councillor and given the manor of Church Speen
are an aumbry and a sanctuary lamp. The panelling in
and Wood Speen by Elizabeth I. The screen separating
the choir and sanctuary is 16th century. Give thanks
the chapel from the Majendie Hall is a good place to
for the gift of music, and pray for those who give their
understand the size of the restored church (seating
talents and time to enrich our worship.
around 680). In the 1980s a decision was made to separate the 1860 nave from its older aisle to form
The Benedict Chapel and the Majendie Hall were
a church hall (in the nave) and a nave (in the aisle).
added during the restoration. Together they formed
Pause to leave a prayer on the prayer board before
the chancel and the nave, and the current church
exiting the church.
became an aisle. This work cost £2,588 and was paid for by Henry Majendie, who also financed other major
Outside, turn right and walk through the well-
works in this and adjoining parishes. The statue of St
maintained churchyard. The lychgate at the far side
Benedict of Nursia stands sentinel over his chapel. He
opens onto a lane leading to the Lady Well. The stone
founded the Benedictine Order, sometimes known as
marks the site of a mediæval holy well. Every year a
the Black Monks because of the colour of their habit.
short service of blessing takes place. Give thanks for
Pray for the many religious communities in our diocese
the peace and tranquillity of God’s creation.
today.
OXFORD DIOCESE PILGRIM PROJECT
You might also like to visit other nearby churches in the Pilgrim Project:
Oxford Diocese Pilgrim Project: St Mary the Virgin, Speen RG14 1SA
St Thomas of Canterbury, Goring Site of ancient priory
Website: www.st-mary-speen.org
St Swithun’s, Compton Beauchamp Unique 20th century furnishings Dorchester Abbey Ancient abbey church
PILGRIMAGE PRAYER Pilgrim God, You are our origin and our destination. Travel with us, we pray, in every pilgrimage of faith, and every journey of the heart. Give us the courage to set off, the nourishment we need to travel well, and the welcome we long for at our journey’s end. So may we grow in grace and love for you and in the service of others. through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
John Pritchard, Bishop of Oxford
Illustrations by Brian Hall © Diocese of Oxford