Church of St John the Baptist

The Church of St John the Baptist is a stone building with a distinctive tall bell tower and intricate stonework patterns carved across its exterior. Large stained glass windows line the walls both inside and out, creating a complex and detailed Gothic structure typical of medieval English churches.

Building began in 1340, establishing it as one of the principal religious structures of medieval Essex at that time. Over the following centuries, the tower and decorative stonework were refined, creating the distinctive form visible today.

The church serves as a gathering place where the community comes together for worship and local events throughout the year. It anchors the town center and remains central to how residents mark their most important celebrations.

The church is accessible from Town Street, with parking available near the building for visitors. Since it remains an active place of worship, it is best to check ahead about visiting times or ongoing services that may affect access.

The bell tower houses multiple bells that ring in intricate patterns following traditional English change ringing techniques passed down through generations. This skilled practice transforms the bells into a form of musical performance that local ringers maintain as a living tradition.

Location: Thaxted

Inception: 1340

Website: https://ttsrh.org/thaxted

GPS coordinates: 51.95430,0.34214

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:48