St Andrew's Church

Wonderful wooden church in Greensted – such a unique and peaceful place. For a long time people thought it was built in 845, though later studies showed it’s about 200 years younger. Inside the old oak walls you really feel the history. There’s even a small “leper’s squint” in the north wall, where, according to legend, those with leprosy once watched the service. Quiet, calm, and full of timeless beauty.

Greensted Church, dedicated to St. Andrew, is often called the oldest wooden church in the world, a quiet survivor of more than a thousand years of history. Its simple oak walls have stood while empires rose and fell, while kings and queens came and went, and while the lives of countless ordinary men and women unfolded in its shadow. When the Black Death swept across England in the 14th century, claiming nearly half the population, Greensted Church remained, a place where villagers gathered to mourn, to pray, and to find hope in the midst of grief. Three centuries later, though the Great Fire of London raged far to the east, consuming the capital in 1666, this humble wooden church endured untouched, a reminder that not all flames can reach every sanctuary. Through World War I and World War II, Greensted stood as both a refuge and a memorial. Soldiers marched away from its doors, some never to return. Families gathered within its timber walls to pray for loved ones overseas, and later to remember them with solemn gratitude. Its bell tolled for victory and for loss alike. Yet Greensted is not only a place of sorrow. For nearly a millennium, it has also been a home of joy. Couples have stood before its altar to exchange vows, beginning married life beneath beams first set in place by Saxon hands. Children have been christened here, laughter spilling across the churchyard. Generations have gathered to mark life’s happiest milestones, binding the past to the present with love and celebration. Today, Greensted Church stands not merely as a building, but as a living witness. It has seen plague, fire, and war, and yet it has also seen weddings, baptisms, and the tender goodbyes of funerals. Its wooden walls breathe history, its timbers whispering stories of endurance and faith. Through all the centuries of trial and triumph, Greensted remains—a steadfast reminder that while human lives are fleeting, the spirit of community and hope endures.

The oldest wooden church in the world, amazing little church, so old, feels so calm and peaceful, and you can buy local honey, mint sauce, horseradish, and lots of other things, well worth a visit,The oak timbers are over 1,000 years old.

Beautiful! oldest wooden church in the world. St Andrew's Church in Greensted-juxta-Ongar, commonly known as Greensted Church. Oldest wooden church in the world and oldest "stave built" timber building in Europe. The timber planks of the church's nave date from approximately 1060 AD, though earlier timber structures from the 6th and 7th centuries were discovered during excavations in the chancel. No tickets. Tip: bring some cash, you can purchase some homemade jam / chutney / honey inside the church.

A historical church which the oldest timber church in the world. A small church which is very small and quiet. Be careful when closing the door, I thought i was locked in but you have to pull the lever and twist it to the right. There's a cemetery near by with park bemches and a public footpath that is easy to follow that directs you straight to ongar station, so perfect to visit if you're looking for something to do while waiting for the epping ongar railway train

I have been wanting to visit here for years, and I finally took the time to divert from my route to make the visit. And it was very much worth it. This historical wooden church is stunning. It's a fascinating building, made over very different eras, using differing materials and styles etc. There's a good amount of information at hand to explain all. We took time to have a snack in the grounds, whilst sat on a bench admiring the view, bare footed we strolled about, taking I the scent of the roses. And inside we sat, appreciating the calm and quiet. Contemplating the span of time that this church has survived.

beautiful church and we came across when rambling walk and visit inside to find a little shop and bought some jams and honey. Instresting building.

Visiting this little church was so incredible. It took about 2 hours from paddington on public transport, and a 1 mile walk, but was so worth it. The church was beautiful and so well preserved. I was the only person there when I visited and took my time soaking in the ancient building.