Over a period of time the Trust have very generously donated £35,000 to our huge restoration project for this beautiful, historic, Grade 1 church. We had some considerable problems with damp, both internally and externally, causing this special landmark to fall into disrepair. We broke this project into two parts. Starting with the considerable external issues raised in the Quinquennial report, we spent 6 months redoing the roof, drainage, overhauling the bellecote, rendering and generally making the church sound and damp proof once more. We then took a break, in order to raise further funds (and catch our breath), before we embarked on the second phase of the project. This was to repair the internal plasterwork and redecorate the Church internally, as it had been so badly damaged by the damp.
The aim was always to ensure that the building was repaired so that it would be preserved for future generations and not to make any alterations. As a consequence, most people would find it difficult to see that anything had been done, but we know that we now have a church which is preserved for the future.
We are utterly delighted with the result and services have once more resumed. We are forever indebted to the OHCT and particularly to Malcolm Airs for all his help and support with this project.
History
St Andrews Church Wheatfield (Grade I) is set in beautiful parkland at the bottom of the Chilterns. Parts of it date back to the 14th Century. This is a church on the ‘must see map’ for people interested in churches and historical landmarks. Simon Jenkins wrote of this church in his book England’s Thousand Best Churches: “Heaven preserve the little places” and added “It was the first of my ‘thousand churches’ and will always be a favourite.”
This church has many points of architectural interest. The East Palladian window is unusual in its location in this Medieval church. The main structure of the church has largely escaped refurbishing and retains a few Medieval features. A blocked perpendicular window can still be seen in the north chancel. The doorways of the nave are 14th century with continuous wave mouldings. There is a very interesting piece of Medieval glass in the South window of the chancel, bearing the arms of John de Whitfield who was Lord of the manor at the time. The interior fittings are all Georgian. The box pews have an integrated fireplace for the family. The coloured glass in the East window is by the William Morris workshops and dated to 1907. There is some ancient glass in the end window on the North side of the nave, while the coat of arms of the Rudge family in the west window is good glass. The fine memorial to John Rudge by P. Scheemakers is a good example of his famous 18th century work.