Church of St Michael and All Angels, Hughenden

Church of St Michael and All Angels, Hughenden is a historic Church of England church located in Hughenden, a village in Buckinghamshire, England, near the Chiltern Hills. The church is situated close to Hughenden Manor, the former residence of Benjamin Disraeli, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, who is buried in the churchyard along with his wife, Mary Anne Disraeli. The church is also associated with other notable figures, including Queen Victoria, who visited the church, and Lord Randolph Churchill, who was a friend of Disraeli's. The church's history is closely tied to the Diocese of Oxford and the Province of Canterbury.

● History

The history of the church dates back to the 12th century, when a Norman church was built on the site. Over the centuries, the church has undergone several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a Perpendicular Gothic nave and chancel in the 15th century. The church has been associated with several notable families, including the De Montfort family and the Disraeli family, who have played important roles in English history, including the English Civil War and the Glorious Revolution. The church has also been influenced by the Oxford Movement, a Anglo-Catholic movement that emerged in the 19th century and was led by figures such as John Keble and Edward Pusey. The movement had a significant impact on the Church of England, leading to the establishment of Ritualism and the High Church movement.

● Architecture

The church's architecture is a mix of Norman, Gothic, and Perpendicular Gothic styles, reflecting the various renovations and expansions that have taken place over the centuries. The church features a tower that dates back to the 13th century, as well as a nave and chancel that were added in the 15th century. The church's interior is adorned with stained glass windows, including a notable window designed by Charles Eamer Kempe, a renowned stained glass artist who also worked on windows for Gloucester Cathedral and York Minster. The church's architecture has been influenced by the work of notable architects, including Augustus Pugin and George Gilbert Scott, who were leading figures in the Gothic Revival movement.

● Notable_features

The church features several notable features, including a font that dates back to the 12th century and a pulpit that was designed by George Gilbert Scott. The church also contains several memorials and tombstones, including one dedicated to Benjamin Disraeli and his wife, Mary Anne Disraeli. The church's organ is a notable feature, having been built by Henry Willis & Sons, a renowned organ builder that has also worked on organs for Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. The church's bells are also noteworthy, having been cast by John Taylor & Co, a leading bellfounder that has also worked on bells for York Minster and Gloucester Cathedral.

● Vicars_of_the_church

The church has had several notable vicars throughout its history, including Henry Manning, who later became the Archbishop of Westminster and a leading figure in the Catholic Revival movement. Other notable vicars include John Keble, who was a leading figure in the Oxford Movement, and Edward Pusey, who was a prominent Anglo-Catholic theologian. The church has also been associated with several notable clergy members, including Cardinal Newman, who was a leading figure in the Catholic Revival movement, and Bishop Wilberforce, who was a prominent Anglo-Catholic bishop.

● Restoration_and_preservation

The church has undergone several restoration and preservation projects over the years, including a major restoration project in the 19th century that was led by George Gilbert Scott. The project aimed to restore the church to its original Gothic style and involved the removal of several Victorian additions. The church has also been supported by several preservation organizations, including the National Trust and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, which have helped to protect the church's historic fabric and ensure its continued use as a place of worship. The church is also listed as a Grade I listed building by English Heritage, recognizing its importance as a historic and architectural landmark. Category:Churches in Buckinghamshire