St Andrew's Church, Farnham

St Andrew’s Church stands in the centre of Farnham, a market town in Surrey. Parts of the building date from the 12th century, though traces of a much older Saxon church were found beneath it. The churchyard holds the grave of the reformer William Cobbett and a memorial to the hymn-writer Augustus Toplady. The church has been altered many times, most notably in the 19th century when the tower was raised and gas lighting installed. In the 20th century the altar was moved and the organ repositioned, creating a more open space. The church is worth visiting for its long history and surviving medieval features. The 15th-century font in the south transept is carved with sacred monograms and symbols of the four evangelists. The east window glass, designed by Augustus Pugin in 1851, shows scenes from the life of Christ. Cobbett and Toplady both have strong local connections, and their memorials remain in the churchyard and on the tower wall. Inside, the church now has chairs instead of pews, allowing it to host concerts, plays and exhibitions. The Lady Chapel was restored in 1909 and the organ dates from the time of James Conway Brown, who became organist in 1879. Visitors can also see a copy of the Vinegar Bible presented in 1731. The church’s daily services and outreach work keep it a living part of the community.