St Mary Magdalene - Great Hampden - Buckinghamshire

St Mary Magdalene Church at Great Hampden dates back more than 800 years and sits alongside the Manor House of the Hampden family, mentioned in the Domesday Book.

The Church has undergone many changes over the years: The Chancel was rebuilt in the 15th century and contains many fine Hampden family monuments.

It is believed and quite probably that John Hampden the Patriot, cousin of Oliver Cromwell, is buried in the Chancel.

Today, this peaceful sanctuary continues to captivate visitors with its rich English heritage, medieval architecture, and deep historical connections. Visitors can explore the ancient churchyard, admire the intricate interior craftsmanship, and experience a profound sense of the past that still resonates through its sacred walls.

Like many ancient buildings, the Church has suffered from outdated lighting, heating and audio visual systems, which all detract from the congregation's and visitors' experience when attending regular services and concerts.

To combat that and to align with the 800th anniversary of the Church, the PCC embarked on a major fundraising programme to fund a full re-ordering with a view to securing its use in the future.

This ambitious modernisation project would see the installation of energy-efficient heating, subtle LED illumination, and high-quality acoustic systems. These critical infrastructure improvements will carefully protect the church's historic character while transforming the medieval layout into a warm, welcoming, and versatile community space designed to serve local families and worshippers for generations to come.

Anthony J Smith (Gloucester) Ltd were part of a successful major re-ordering team at St Mary's sister Church - Holy Trinity, Prestwood. Discussions started in 2018 and following many visits and demonstrations a full specification was delivered for faculty approval following input from the PCC.

A completely new LED lighting system has been installed using fittings of various power outputs and focal widths, to provide maximum enhancement of the liturgy. It is controlled through the use of a fully dimmable scene setting system, which allows easily editing of scenes and light levels to suit many types of services, alongside various concerts and performances that take place within the Church.

Individual spotlights have been installed for much of the liturgical furniture and many of the monuments on the walls of the Church, together with the nave hatchments; and when combined with the up-lighting of the nave and chancel ceilings offer new dramatic and atmospheric illumination possibilities.

The first phase of re-ordering took place over a five month period and the Church was opened ready for the summer, while further fundraising took place to enable much needed plasterwork repairs and then redecoration.

The Church was closed again in October to allow the final restoration works to be completed, and the congregation was welcomed back in time to celebrate the Christmas festivities.

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