All Saints' Church, High Laver

All Saints' Church, High Laver. All Saints' is the parish church of High Laver, a village in the Epping Forest District of Essex. The medieval building, with significant Victorian restoration, is a Grade II* listed building noted for its historical architecture and its association with the philosopher John Locke. The church sits within the Diocese of Chelmsford and remains an active place of worship for the local community.

History

The origins of the church date to the Norman period, with the earliest fabric likely from the 12th century. The manor of High Laver was held by the Bishop of London in the Domesday Book, establishing an early ecclesiastical presence. The building was substantially altered in the 14th and 15th centuries, with the addition of the distinctive west tower. During the English Reformation, the church passed to the Church of England. In the 19th century, a major program of Victorian restoration was undertaken under the direction of the architect John Clarke, which included rebuilding the chancel and north aisle. This work was typical of the influence of the Cambridge Camden Society and the Oxford Movement on church architecture during the Victorian era.

Architecture and fittings

The church is constructed primarily of flint rubble with limestone dressings, under a slate roof. The three-stage west tower is a prominent feature, topped with a battlemented parapet. The interior comprises a nave, chancel, north aisle, and a south porch. The chancel arch and the arcade separating the nave from the north aisle are pointed, dating from the 14th-century work. Notable fittings include a 15th-century octagonal font and a Royal Arms from the reign of George III. The east window contains stained glass from the William Morris firm, designed by Edward Burne-Jones, installed during the Victorian restoration. Several memorial brasses and wall monuments to local families, such as the Masham family, are also present.

Churchyard and monuments

The churchyard surrounds the building and contains a variety of chest tombs, headstones, and table tombs dating from the 17th to 20th centuries. The most historically significant grave is that of the philosopher John Locke, who spent his final years at Oates in the parish. His simple tomb, marked by an inscribed stone, lies in the south-eastern part of the churchyard. Other notable memorials include those for members of the Masham family, particularly Damaris Masham, a close friend and correspondent of Locke. The churchyard is maintained by the Parochial Church Council and is designated a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation.

Notable associations

The church's primary historical association is with John Locke, the influential Enlightenment thinker known for works like Two Treatises of Government and An Essay Concerning Human Understanding. He lived at the home of Sir Francis Masham and died there in 1704. His burial and memorial at All Saints' have made the site a destination for scholars of political philosophy. The Masham family, patrons of the living for generations, are also closely linked to the church's history. In the 20th century, the church was within the benefice served by the noted theological writer and hymnist Percy Dearmer, who was a canon of Westminster Abbey.

Present day

All Saints' remains an active parish church within the Diocese of Chelmsford, part of the Harlow Deanery. Regular services are held according to the Book of Common Prayer and Common Worship. The parish is part of the Harlow and District Team Ministry, a group of churches sharing resources. The building is cared for by the Friends of All Saints' and receives visitors interested in its architecture and connection to John Locke. It is also used for community events and concerts, maintaining its role at the heart of the village of High Laver.

Category:Church of England church buildings in Essex Category:Grade II* listed churches in Essex Category:Grade II* listed buildings in Epping Forest District