| EXPLORE St Leonard’s with the same interactive INTRODUCTORY guide used in the church. |
| COMING SOON |
| LEARN about church & village through a SELECTION of the KEY materials. |
| All onsite materials; selected publications, archives & sources |
| ALL the multi-media CONTEMPORARY materials created by or for Flamstead Heritage |
| reports, learning resources, videos, audio, … |
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ALL the (re-) discovered, local ARCHIVE materials, now curated, digitised & published.
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| historical records, photos, books, documents, … |
| PLAN what to see at St Leonard’s: architecture, graffiti, wall paintings & other TREASURES. |
| what to see, travel, local amenities, village map |
| The Flamstead Heritage STORY the teams involved, and our PUBLISHING POLICIES |
| fund raising, roof repair, heritage programme |
| REVISIT the wide range of community heritage ACTIVITIES that took place from 2021 to 2024 |
| talks, drama, family events, competitions, … |
| How to CONTACT us, give FEEDBACK & follow us on SOCIAL MEDIA |
| email & postal address, social media follows |
Flamstead Heritage – the story so far
1. St Leonard’s has been at the centre of the Flamstead community for 900 years. It was built in stages during the mediaeval period, not always with best practice. As a “poor agricultural parish” in past few centuries, there were never enough funds to maintain it.
2. In 2017, our ancient, Grade 1 listed church was threatened with closure. Its heritage, with important mediaeval graffiti and wall paintings, and its roles, both religious and community, were threatened.
3. Death watch beetle and the ravages of time had destroyed the nave roof, with other repairs urgently needed.
4. By 2020 the Flamstead Heritage Project had been created, over £1m raised from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, through other grants, and from local matched funding. Major restoration building works were able to start.
5. Building work continued during the Covid-19 pandemic, . By the end of 2021:
- the nave roof had been restored,
- the south side clerestory windows repaired in stone, and other works completed,
- the wall paintings protected from water damage, and the church saved.
But delivery of the associated heritage programme had to be suspended during the pandemic.
6. Between 2022 and 2024 we have been engaged in delivering an exciting programme of heritage activities, publishing informative materials including newly (re-) discovered archives, and providing explanatory displays within the church, making our heritage accessible to all.
7. Together with other projects that brought the church facilities from the 19th century to the 21st, St Leonard’s has been transformed. Alongside its traditional role, it is now an engaging place to visit and a popular venue for community events. An ongoing maintenance plan means it will be preserved for future generations.
8. St Leonard’s has been rescued, its heritage is being rediscovered, but there is still more to do. This website has more of the story.
News & Blog Posts
Lecture “Raising the Roof” once planned for June 8th replaced
In the poster for the expert lecture series, there was a final lecture scheduled for June 8th, i.e. during the Flamstead Arts Festival. This has now been superseded by an expert lecture by Matt Champion (time tbd) and the Heritage Crafts Fair, 1000 to 1600, both on...
Flamstead Arts Festival – first details & save the date
The initial details of the Flamstead Arts Festival have been announced via our poster. It will take place on 6th to 9th June 2024. The full programme will follow in March and ticket sales will start in April. For now, save the dates.