History tours to put Tring church back on the map

The Friends Of Tring Church Heritage work to maintain St Peter and St Paul’s Church in the town’s High Street – which has stood on the site since around 1450 – and launched the Open Church Initiative earlier this year to attract more interest.

With the help of local schools, the group produced 21 information leaflets about the history and architecture of the church, as well as its different features and facilities.

The new hour-long tours are conducted by the Friends’ honorary president Grahame Senior, who is knowledgeable about the past and fabric of the church and is keen to pass on historical facts.

He shares the story of the church’s priceless medieval frieze-tile masterpieces – now on display in the British Museum – and the tale of how a statue’s thumb on the Gore Memorial ended up in a nearby pond.

The tours include a trip up the church bell tower which, though a steep climb, is worth the effort for panoramic views of Tring and the surrounding countryside.

To book a tour, call Grahame on 01442 822770 or email him at [email protected].

For more information, visit www.fotch.co.uk.