Our History: Holy Trinity
Cliff Greely, Churchwarden Emeritus of the Parish of Bengeo, tells us the story of Holy Trinity Church, a rich history of over 150 years.
The Building of Holy Trinity
The town of Hertford expanded rapidly during the first half of the 19th century, and began to spread across the town boundaries into Bengeo. Considerable building took place around the hub of Bengeo Street and in the Port Vale area. Saint Leonard’s no longer provided adequate seating and was inconveniently positioned for the new residential areas. Therefore the decision was taken to build a larger church on a new site more centrally situated.
The Benefactors
William Parker of Ware Park conveyed the plot of land on the corner of Bengeo Street and New Road. The cost of £4,700 was raised by public subscription headed by Abel Smith, the patron of the living, other local gentry such as Admiral Gosselin of Bengeo Hall, the Hon. W. Cowper of Panshanger, William Parker of Ware Park and the Reverend Charles Deedes, the incumbent.
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The Builders
The material chosen for the construction was Kentish ragstone quarried near Maidstone. Benjamin Ferrey was appointed as architect. For the first stage the contractors were a London firm who built the nave and chancel. But for the second stage which included the tower and spire, the local Hertford firm of EJ Ekins was employed which is still in existence today.