Horseheath is a small village to the west of Haverhill, now thankfully bypassed by the busy A1307 road to Cambridge. The church sits on a small rise at the north of the village, and has an interesting interior.
The tower and chancel are both Decorated, sitting either end of a spacious but unaisled Perpendicular nave, which is lit by spectacularly large, three-light transomed windows. Most of the fabric dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, though chevron patterning on the exterior hints at a Norman, if not Saxon, foundation. The brick battlements above the nave were added in the 18th century, and the church was restored in 1829 and again in 1883. The porch gable has a 16th century sun-dial.
The main interest lies in the chancel: this is entered through a delicate 15th Century screen, which contains traces of the original paint. It contains two impressive monuments: that on the right has two tiers, an effigy on each tier, commemorating Sir Giles Alington (d. 1522) and (below) his son, also Sir Giles (d. 1586). The upper tier rests on bulbous piers, and once had an impressive superstructure, remnants of which now sit adjacent to the monument.
On the left hand side is the monument to a later Sir Giles Alington (d. 1613) and his wife; this is a striking piece, executed in red alabaster. Their finely detailed effigies sit above a tomb chest, with their six children kneeling in the panel below. The back piece is has an arch containing a strapwork cartouche, flanked by columns - overall, a fine piece of Jacobean work. On the floor is a good brass to the earlier Lord of the Manor, William Audley (d. 1366), resplendent in 14th century plate armour. Adjacent is a later civilian brass, sadly now headless.
The church is now part of the Linton team, and generally has services on the third Sunday of the month at 10am, and the first Sunday of the month at 4pm, and a 10am Sunday club on the First Sunday of the month, with worship and activities for Children and Families.
West Wickham Road, Horseheath, Cambridge, CB21 4QA
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