Church of St Andrew, Enfield

St Andrew’s stands in the London Borough of Enfield as the original parish church of the area. It is a Grade II* listed building recognised by Historic England. The first written record of a church here dates from 1136, when it was given to the Monastery at Walden in Essex. In 1190 Abbot Reginald appointed Robertus as the first Vicar of Enfield. Parts of the east wall and the south sanctuary wall survive from the years after his appointment. A small lancet window in the south wall still shows the iron sockets that once held the glazing. The church grew through the 14th century with new aisles and a tower added. The north and south aisles were built, though the south aisle was raised to its present height only in 1824. The nave arches and the tower itself belong to this period. Later fittings include pitch pine pews installed in 1853 after debate. Oak clergy and choir stalls were added in 1908 as a memorial to Prebendary Hodson, vicar from 1870 to 1904. A painted scheme over the chancel arch was completed in 1923 to honour Enfield men who died in the First World War. Visitors find the old walls and windows beside later furnishings. The iron sockets in the lancet window remain visible. The 14th-century tower and nave arches frame the space. The 1853 pews and 1908 stalls stand in orderly rows. The 1923 painting above the chancel arch records local sacrifice. Outside, the churchyard holds the 1742 epitaph to Thomas Carter.