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 The
tower was begun early in the 13th Century, but the buttresses and the
stair turret (probably built as a "beacon turret") were not added until
the 15th Century. Hertfordshire puddingstone is one of the main
building materials used and much can be seen from the outside,
particularly in the buttresses. Puddingstone is a conglomerate of
pebbles surrounded by a matrix (cement) and was formed in early Eocene
times, about 60 million years ago and is unique to South Hertfordshire.
The name comes from a resemblance to a plum pudding.The weathercock on top of the spire is 126 feet (38.4m) above the ground. In 1940 a german bomb fell on the tower, destroying the spire and damaging the parapet. The present spire dates from 1950. The tower is used by the Ordnance Survey Office as a Triangulation Station. These stations constitute the basic framework of the maps and plans of Great Britain and are essential for the maintenance of the National Survey. The benchmark mark is inscribed as a stone slab, just above ground level, in the north face of the tower, and the exact spot over which surveyors set up their theodolite is marked on the south west corner of the tower roof.  The
church clock was made in 1858 by Jump and Sons of London. The
dial is on the west face of the tower and the clock strikes the hours
and is still handwound every week.The Edward VI inventory of Church Goods in Hertfordshire, dated 1st November 1552 records at Aldenham: "Imprimis in the steple iiij Belles and a sanc Bell" i.e. four bells and a sanctus bell. In 1647 the sanctus bell was recast by William Whitmore of Watford. In 1683 the great tenor bell (15cwt) was recast by George Chandler of Drayton Parslow, Buckinghamshire. There are now 8 bells and the small sanctus bell. The church bells are rung regularly for Sunday services, weddings and other special occasions. At present we have 8 ringers, our eldest being a lady who celebrated her 90th birthday in November 2004! There is always a need for new ringers and anyone interested will be made most welcome. Please see the Contact Us page for information on how to contact the Tower Master.  View from the Top! Below are some photographs taken 23rd July 2005 from the top of the tower.  The Lytch Gate  The Old Farm  Over the Graveyard INSIDE THE BELL ROOM     |
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