The Oldest Wooden Church In The World | Greensted Church

Situated deep in the Essex countryside lies Greensted Church or the church of St Andrew, Greensted-juxta-ongar, it’s a place of pilgrimage and from here you can walk the path of St Peters Way and finally complete your journey at St Peter-On-the-Wall in Bradwell on Sea.
This church is an ancient place of worship which has the distinction of being the oldest wooden church in the world. Indeed, it is also the oldest wooden building in Europe with a nave dating back to 998 and 1063 AD.
It is believed that beneath the floor of this church, the remains of a much older church and timbers dating back to 845 AD when St Cedd arrived here in East Anglia to begin his conversion of the East Saxon people.
The split oak tree trunks that form the nave are the only remaining parts of the original Saxon structure, that are visible. There is also a small amount of flint within the Chancel wall which dates back to the Norman era, showing that the church was still in use after the Norman conquest of 1066.
A later addition to the church, the existing Chancel was constructed in around 1500AD. The tower was built over one hundred years later during the Stuart period.
In the 19th century the church went through a fairly substantial restoration by the Victorians. This included adding brickwork to the structure and replacing the dormer windows, along with a host of other alterations.
The inside of this church has a somewhat dark and gloomy ambience due to only a trickle of light breaking through its tiny windows.
On the north-western side of the church a ‘lepers squint’ is built into the Saxon woodwork. This would have allowed lepers (who were not allowed into the church) to receive a blessing from the priest with holy water.
The church also has an incredible link to the first Patron Saint of England, long before St George held that princely position St Edmund of East Anglia was Britains first patron saint.
His body was held here at Greensted Church for one night on the way to his final resting place in Bury St Edmunds.
Outside the church and adjacent to the doorway lies the grave of a 12th century crusader. The fact that his grave is made of solid stone suggests that he was a highly decorated soldier.
#oldestchurch #oldestwoodenchurch #greenstedchurch
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[@ModernDayPilgrim]

What a beautiful church! And the oldest wooden church, WOW! The inside is in such good condition. Love the history surrounding this place and grounds are beautiful. Thanks for the history lesson! I loved it! 😃💯🙌🏼

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Nancy, for your lovely comment 😊 hope all well and catch up soon 😊😉

[@StepsbyKaatje]

It's amazing that this wooden church still stands! Thanks for all the history about the place! Lots of Saints around! And an impressive grave for a soldier, so I guess he was some kind of hero! Have a great weekend! Kaat

[@StephenandYhana]

The grave belongs to a medieval knights Templar, made from solid stone 😊 it’s an impressive grave 😊 it’s a stunning church too 😊 Thank you Kaat, hope all well and catch up soon

[@RanaChefInternational_786]

You are looking so nice so beautiful great The Oldest Wooden Cgurch fantastic video keep up good work thanks for shared stay always connected dear friend. God bless you 🎁🎁🎁♥️♣♥ 🙏🙏

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy, for your very lovely comment 😊😉 it’s much appreciated 🥰 sending our best to you and hope to catch up soon 😊

[@micksmusicchannel]

That is absolutely amazing Stephen, and so beautiful inside. So glad it hasn't fallen into disrepair. Many thanks for sharing this 🙂👍

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Mick, hope all well buddy and catch up soon 😊😉

[@ASimpleVideoSG]

Love this Wooden church, there are so much sign of history left on those wooden walls, thanks for all the information and histroy on this church. Love this place. 🙏🏻💯👍13:57 Thank you 🫡

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@MTRelaxation67]

This Church is amazing💙 great Wooden Church, very beautiful 👍

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly my friend 😊 sending our best and catch up soon 😊

[@dimayufootball]

I'm listening friends, thank you for sharing the story 👍🤜🤛🙏🏽🙋

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@anitambm.3409]

💓💓💓💓💓ज़िन्दगी में अगर कुछ बड़ा करना हैं तब दो चीजें हमेशा याद रखना; पहला जो खोया हैं उसका ग़म नहीं और जो पाया हैं वो भी किसी से काम नहीं..!!💓💓💓💓

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly my friend 😊 sending our best and catch up soon 😊

[@Ltn.Immelmann]

Just gorgeous, this old church. I am always happy that these jewels are cared for and hopefully will please several generations. ATB Peter 🤠👍🇩🇪

[@StephenandYhana]

I’m pleased they are looked after too, it’s a stunning building 😊 hope all well Peter and catch up soon 😊

[@valuablestampsandcoin]

Great sharing old wooden Church, Amazing video sharing 👍😍 superb Stay connected 👍

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@CowboyJojosAdventures]

Don't worry Stephen, sometimes we get four seasons in a day. Great history to this little church. Love the old Timber work and brick work. love the Timber work inside the church. It is a well looked after church. Thank you for taking us along this little tour Stephen. Have a great day. 🙏🏼♥👍🏼🤗

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Joseph, for the lovely comment buddy 😊 its a beautiful church for sure. I always imagined Australia to be constantly sunny. Until I saw you with coats on in a recent video of yours lol 😊

[@user-ym5jp1so7k]

Hello friend! 😆 Wow Amazing!! Very nice!! 😇 Awesome keep connect dear! 😁✨👌👍!!!!

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly my friend, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@TravelingTramps]

Gorgeous church, Stephen. It's wonderful to see the oldest wooden church! We enjoyed the walk around outside and hearing some of the history. Loved seeing the "Crusader's Grave," but it was sad seeing the "Leper's Squint." What a terrible life for them back then. The inside was stunning. Love the old ornate wood work! Thanks so much for bringing us along.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Dave and Kathy, for your very lovely comment guys, it’s a beautiful church and one I would be happy to visit many times 😊😉 catch up soon

[@wendingourway]

Amazing...especially the leper's squint...who would have ever guessed. Those rafters too...something else. Bruce and Otis

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Bruce and Otis, for the lovely comment guys 😊 hope all well and catch up soon

[@upnorthadventureswithccc]

So enjoyed the tour and history of the oldest wooden church in the world. It is absolutely amazing👍😊

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Cheryl, the church is very lovely 😊 there is a sense of peace and solitude here, it’s a stunning place to visit 😊

[@ikichannelhiburan]

The Oldest Wooden Church in the World.. useful videos add insight..thank you

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you for the lovely comment, it’s much appreciated 😊

[@lisasescapades]

Wow that is a beautiful church. Thank you for sharing. Love the history.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Lisa, it’s a stunning building for sure 😉😊

[@FXWalesAnnaAlf]

Ah wow that was brilliant to see this oldest wooden church in the world and great to hear all about it . It was lovely to look inside and outside and read what you added in the description box. Great video and so interesting. Thanks si much ~ Anna

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Anna, for your very lovely comment 😊😉 I do love a beautiful church for sure 😊 and this was no exception, a stunning, historical site 😊 hope all well and catch up soon

[@WeGoPlacesTours]

Hi Stephen. I enjoyed the history of this old wooden church and how it’s changed over time. It must have been difficult for those who had leprosy that they couldn’t go inside but at least they could still receive a blessing. I grew up going to church regularly and I always find that being inside the church gives me a certain comfort. It was a very nice tour. Thank you. 👍😊🇨🇦

[@StephenandYhana]

I find a lot of comfort inside churches too, they all stunning places historically and often over looked by tourists 😊 catch up soon Christine 😉

[@KristinaBakk]

Amazing tour! Enjoyed watching. It's such a fantastic place for hiking. Thanks for sharing 😍👌🌿🌻❤

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Kristina sending our best to you 😊😉

[@optimixxx]

super lovely church, still in very good shape ❤👏❤

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy, it’s a stunning church 😉😊

[@TeamLynchBMD]

I was not expecting the inside of the church to be in such great shape. The leper’s squint is a amazing part of history. The Crusaders grave makes you wonder how they were buried, with armor? religious items, etc..

[@StephenandYhana]

I can imagine the grave may well be full of lots of grave goods, I bet his sword is in there with him. It’s a beautiful church for sure 😊 Sending our best guys and thank you for hitting the special thanks button too 😉😊 catch up soon

[@DonnaTaibossigai]

Hi Stephen! The church is absolutely amazing. I enjoyed how you walked around outside first and then showed the inside. The beam framework was beautiful and they still look sturdy.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Donna, it’s a stunning building and certainly worth a visit, one of my favourite churches. Although I do have more then a few favourites lol 😆😉 hope all well and catch up soon

[@mariojsworld]

Great video showing this old wooden church.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@CamperVanya]

Oh you do find some little gems and share great facts. I enjoy a church wander but this probably would top them all. Really fascinating and lovely to watch. Thanks for sharing. ATB, Sue.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Sue, it’s a stunning church, one of my favourites here in Essex 😊 we have a few hidden gems around, this is one of them For sure 😊😉 catch up soon

[@openmindedwonderer]

What a truly wonderful place, loved the inside, very interesting. Great video

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Cara, for the lovely comment 😊 sending our best and catch up soon 😊

[@TreasureRangersSavingHistory]

That's a very old church and it is to be built on top of an older one. My dad told me something about churches that were found in the middle of nowhere because of plaques where they moved the village but couldn't move the church. A fantastic video and great information on it specially the blessing for lepersey 🙂👍❤️

[@StephenandYhana]

There are a lot of churches that are often in the middle of nowhere, I can imagine lots villages have been lost due to plague too. Some of these old church yards still have plague pits too 😊 catch up soon guys

[@explorinwithlaurin]

The church is so well preserved! Such a unique find! We recently came across the worlds only bamboo organ at a church in Manila. So much cool stuff out there!

[@StephenandYhana]

Oh wow, that is very cool 😊 I love finding cool and interesting things 😊 there is lots more to discover for sure 😊

[@DoortotheAbandoned]

This is magnificent! I never heard of a lepers squint before, very interesting. The inside is just beautiful, love the original woodwork on the walls. Thanks for the tour 😊

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy, the church is a fascinating visit, one of top ten churches in Essex for sure 😊 with lots of hidden surprises too, like that lepers squint 😊

[@MakeOneselfAtHome]

Such a beautiful church and they have lovely charity shop inside too! Great video Stephen 👍

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly, it is a stunning church for sure 😉😊

[@christinebean3556]

What a lovely church xxx

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you, it’s a very lovely church for sure xxx ❤️

[@wanderingoutyonder]

Wow! Fantastic! Stunning architechture!

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@The_Brit_Girls]

It was wonderful to see the oldest wooden church in the world and to find out about its interesting history. I liked the story about it being a temporary resting place for the body of St Edmunds before it continued its journey to Bury St Edmunds. Fascinating to hear about the ‘lepers squint’ which was built into the Saxon woodwork. The crusader's grave was very interesting, and I liked seeing the photos at the end of the video as well. Thanks, Stephen 😊👍

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Julie and Lucy for the lovely comment, sending our best and catch up with you both soon 😉😊

[@chilleats7024]

Wow, unbelievable that there is remains underneath this church that date back so far! I just love how far back the history goes in this area and really enjoyed your tour. The dimness and small windows really contribute to the ambience inside - it's breathtaking!, and it looks like lots of effort is maintained to protect the church while allowing people to explore. Thanks for showing us around! New sub here.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly for your lovely comment, they certainly do a lot to protect the building, it’s an important site for pilgrimage too, at certain times of the year it can get very busy here 😊 thank you so much for the sub 😊 it’s much appreciated

[@IvorsTravels]

Really interesting building. Again you have shown me something new. Thanks for the informative video.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Ivor, the church is a lovely hidden gem in a very lovely location too, it’s sits on a pilgrimage route between two important important old churches, both built by St Cedd. Catch up soon buddy 😊

[@sonijikvlogs9676]

Very beautiful video thanks for sharing ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ my dear friend ♥️❤️❣️❤️ love from India 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏💞❤️🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🙏

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@WaysideWade]

It's great seeing such an important historical church being so well preserved. It would be amazing to simply sit in there and feel the ambience. Another wonderful video Stephen, well done. ✨⛪🛡️

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy, there is certainly something very ambient about that beautiful church, it’s a stunning little building 😊😉

[@EATINGZONE]

WOW……great effort……outstanding presentation…….keep sharing such awesome stuff………I am always there to support you, dear friend…….....❤

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@michaelwhite8031]

Spectacular church.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you Michael, it’s a stunning church, with a very interesting history too 😊 hope all well buddy and catch up soon 😊

[@godisgreat8462]

First. Cool church. Man I love your videos my friend. Never change. Keep up the great videos

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@explorewithlloydi]

this was such a fascinating watch. i learnt so much here thanks

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@utsukare_mbs]

Bon dia The video is interesting Thanks for sharing

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly my friend 😊 sending our best and catch up soon 😊

[@DesGreene]

Hi Stephen. What a place! The woodwork in the roof is stunning, but it's amazing to see how the exterior timber has withstood the passage of time! I bet the pew next to the leper squint wasn't the most popular seat in the house back in the day! 😁

[@StephenandYhana]

Lol, I never thought about it to be honest, but your very right 😊 Having an eye peering at you through the hole, plus in the winter, I bet it was a bit drafty there 😊

[@DesGreene]

@@StephenandYhana Probably a huge fear of leprosy back then also.

[@BeforeIKicktheBucket1]

That was a great "discovery", and I don't mean it in a literal sense because I am sure you knew about this church and it was not new to you... and you wanted to show it to us.. But great topic for your video. One of the many interesting points in your video, leprosy, reminded me that in Hawaii leprosy patients were "sentenced" to the life of involuntary isolation..so I don't know how their life was here but at least here they allowed them to receive a blessing. Which of course doesn't mean that their life was any better than in Hawaii, or in general.. Great video, excellent narration! Well, and the church itself is magnificent!

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you so much buddy, I visited this church many years ago in my early 20’s and always wanted to revisit 😊 it’s been on my list for awhile 😊 I’m pleased I shared it with everyone as it’s a gem for sure 😊 Life for anyone inflicted with leprosy was very difficult for sure, they were often placed in isolation here in the UK too. Churches allowed them to receive charity and for too, as well as a blessing, which would have been very important in their lives 😊 catch up soon buddy 😊

[@debsmostexcellentadventure5353]

First going to beach will watch when get back debs xx 🤗💎

[@StephenandYhana]

Enjoy the beach Debs xx sending our love too 😉😊❤️ xx

[@RodKrisBisdakMotovlog]

Wow such a great and awesome vidz my friend. You really got my attention because of being passionate on making vidz. Keep it up and more vidz to come my friend....

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@hamdangs89]

Amazing...

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy 😊

[@ms.kayak7seas]

Hi and thanks, Stephen and Yhana - History and Adventure Hunters for sharing. First, I would like to send my big congratulations to you, all on reaching on a milestone "3K!!!" and many more to come. I hope, you weren't soaked wet during your narration. ☔I admire your creativity, the time-lapse of the sky, and Greensted Church. I felt as if I were going back in time, time traveling---4;03. Witnessing the stone of the "Crusaders Grave" is insane. May I ask if those immense timbers right behind the grave are chared or painted? Somewhat, it is a peaceful place for them to rest as I hear birds chirping in the background...or maybe eerie under the rain. Wow...fascinating..a letter shoot?---6;09, and 10;01. How thoughtful of you, to cover up your wet shoes with disposal shoe covers! In my house, no shoes are allowed. 😅---7;26. Wow, those vaulted exposed high ceiling beams are very detailed. Breathtaking---8;40. May I ask if there aren't any nails that were used to build this church like JP carpentry? Thank you for introducing this spectacular and well-kept UK heritage. Well done. Stay dry until next time...🙋‍♀🙋‍♀🛶🛶

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you guys, for your very lovely and very detailed comment 😊 it’s much appreciated, your a star ⭐️ The Church is certainly very beautiful, I visited this church many years ago and always wanted to revisit. I’m pleased I did, it was better then I remembered. The wooden beams behind the grave are painted, Black is a traditional colour on many of our old buildings, as black was the only choice of colour during the medieval and Tudor periods. I think inside the church the beams were placed together without nails. 😊 It’s a stunning building and hidden gem that is very often overlooked here in the UK 😊 Catch up soon guys

[@ms.kayak7seas]

@@StephenandYhana Again thank you so much for educating me. 🙋‍♀🙋‍♀🛶🛶

[@TeamLynchBMD]

Thanks!

[@StephenandYhana]

Hey Guys, I only just noticed this 😊 Thank you so much for hitting the special thanks button 😊 You are both stars ⭐️ Yhana and I send our best to you both 😉

[@TeamLynchBMD]

@@StephenandYhana no problem you guys are special people, I made sure to share this video out👋👍

[@StephenandYhana]

@@TeamLynchBMD awww, thank you so much guys 😊😉 ❤️💚 Yhana and I send a big hug from across the pond 😊

[@KireaLaero]

☾💚 👍🏻🔔The way you do the work gracefully - I am very proud of you. Thanks for going through the trouble and it's worth it. You have the absolute power to rise above any situation or struggle and transform yourself into the strongest and most beautiful version of yourself ever. Congratulations and best of luck for your promising future. Great job, you are amazing, you are important, you are special, you are unique, and you are valuable! Never give up, go ahead, fight for your dreams, everything will get better for you, I wish you good luck. You have my full supportt 🎁

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@mybirds21]

Cool church. Man I love your video

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@openmindedwonderer]

Thanks

[@StephenandYhana]

Cara, thank you so much ❤️😊 for hitting that thanks button ❤️ your a star ⭐️ Yhana and I send our best and catch up soon

[@StephenandYhana]

❤️😊😉

[@rljatfrogpondschool7283]

.....wonderful

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you buddy 😊

[@BayuThuBayBSS]

Nice,,,

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you kindly my friend 😊 catch up soon

[@AliceGoss]

I think I need to visit here. It's not too far from me.

[@StephenandYhana]

You will enjoy the visit, it’s very lovely, the whole area is fascinating with Ongar not to far away either 😊

[@susanfischer8427]

I have a record in my genealogy stating "Dr. Skaman was the Reverend of Greenstead Church, St. Andrew, the oldest wooden church in the world. This building outside London in Essex is near Hatfield and Great Baddow or Chelmsford. Hatfield was where in my genealogy Peter Lidgetts father Peter Lidget lived. Peter the son married Elizabeth Scammond. Records of the church mention harsh sentence of prisoners who were transported to Australia for punishment. Elizabeth Scaman born 1819 had a 7 year term sent on Lloyds ship and arrived Nov 7 1845 sent to Van Diemans Land, she a Protestant was tried at York Kingston Upon Hull for stealing. U.K extracted Records 1269-1975. The date of Dr. Skaman needs research and must be very old date. The source I have just shows U.K extracted Records 1269-1975. I found it interesting.

[@JayeshandShreya]

Hi, are you a member of youtuber community. I would like to join.

[@StephenandYhana]

Hey guys, I certainly do support the KZbin community a lot 😊 KZbinrs are incredible, creative and make time for each other too 😊 I will be checking out your channel

[@thementaldetectorist756]

👋👍🍻💖🥰🇬🇧

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@thementaldetectorist756]

@@StephenandYhana 💖

[@RahimBacha]

The oldest

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊

[@aprendendocomtiavanuza4598]

Boa-tarde!! Passando por aqui e amando esse lugar, gosto muito de conhecer outras culturas.te convido a conhecer meu cantinho aqui ba plataforma.

[@StephenandYhana]

Thank you very kindly, sending our best and catch up soon 😉😊