Floor Sanding
Amersham

Amersham in the Past

St Mary’s Church was restored in Victorian times – yet retains earlier features in the form of some fine stained glass and impressive monuments.

Amersham’s turbulent religious history is recalled far more dramatically by the Martyrs Memorial in the High St. This commemorates the seven Lollards who were burned at the stake in 1521.

They belonged to a religious sect who were followers of the religious reformer, John Wycliffe (1329-84). The origin of the name is obscure but may be a derogatory term from the Dutch – coined by their opponents and meaning to mutter or chant.

They were denounced and persecuted by the Church for their heretical attacks on its practices of indulgences, pilgrimages and celibacy.By advocating lay priests and therefore implying no need for confession to the appointed clergy, the Lollards undermined the whole power structure of the Catholic hierarchy. Their desire for an English version of the Bible didn’t go down too well, either.

As the Reformation gained apace on the continent in the early 16th century, such views could expect nothing but ruthless suppression in those intolerant days.

The church has wooden misericords – tipping seats – in the chancel, depicting a savage variant on the old myth of Reynard the Fox. The fox is shown preaching to monks and priests: showing how innocent clergy were being led astray by dubious ideas.