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Archaeology, Sites to See

Chesfield Church, Near Gravely

Chesfield church, near Graveley, is one of several ruined medieval churches in the county. The ruins here date from the early 14th century, but documentary evidence indicates that a church dedicated to St Etheldreda existed by 1216, and it was almost certainly founded even earlier. In 1445 Chesfield parish was united with Graveley, and a licence to demolish the church was eventually granted in 1750. The simple rectangular nave and chancel, and a small later chapel at the south-east corner survive and the entire site has recently been cleared and consolidated after many years of neglect.

Take the B197 from Stevenage to Graveley, turn right at the garage into Church Lane and follow this for about 1¼ miles to the church. The site is on the north side of the road near Chesfield Park. It is on private property, but it can be easily viewed from the public highway, grid reference TL 2474 2792.

Map showing Chesfield Church