Benson Memorial Church

51°56′40.27″N 0°01′6.26″W / 51.9445194°N 0.0184056°W / 51.9445194; -0.0184056

St Richard of Chichester, Buntingford
Exterior view of St Richard's Buntingford as seen from the main road
DenominationRoman Catholic
Websitercdow.org.uk
History
DedicationSt Richard of Chichester
Consecrated5 June 1940
Architecture
Heritage designationGrade II
Architect(s)Arthur Young
StyleModern Gothic
Specifications
Capacity160
Tower height45 feet (14 m)
Spire height35 feet (11 m)
Administration
DioceseWestminster
DeaneryLea Valley
Clergy
Priest(s)John Cunningham
Deacon(s)Paul O'Connor

The Benson Memorial Church, dedicated to St Richard of Chichester, is an English Roman Catholic church in the Hertfordshire town of Buntingford. Its name derives from the notable priest and author Robert Hugh Benson who lived locally at Hare Street House and helped fund construction of the church. Benson laid the foundation stone[1] but died before the building was completed. The parish currently shares a parish priest with the Catholic churches in Puckeridge and Old Hall Green.

History

The church was built in 1914 by Arthur Young in the Gothic style and is Grade II listed[2] as a building of special architectural or historic interest. It was opened in January 1915. The Lady chapel was added in 1916 and the porch in 1934. The 45-foot tall tower, surmounted by a 35-foot copper spire was added in 1939. The church was consecrated in 1940[3] by the auxiliary bishop of Westminster, Edward Myers.

References

  1. ^ The apostolate of the countryside, archived from the original on 18 October 2015, retrieved 21 October 2014
  2. ^ Historic England. "Catholic Church and Presbytery. Station Road (1295687)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  3. ^ "About the Parish".
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