St. Michael's & All Angel's Church

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Website | 01206 738759
Copford, Colchester CO6 1DG, UK

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Area Served:
Within 4 miles (6.4km) of Copford, Colchester CO6 1DG, UK
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Ranked in the ‘Top 100’ by Simon Jenkins in his book “England’s Thousand Best Churches”. Described by Pevsner as “the most remarkable Norman parish church in the county”

What is it that makes St. Michael & All Angels church, Copford, so special?   It is interesting architecturally and has a pretty woodland setting, on the edge of our small village, beside the cricket pitch. However, the remarkable Norman wall paintings are the real attraction, described by Simon Jenkins as “amongst the best in England”. Only five minutes off the A12 just south of Colchester, they are certainly worth a detour if you are visiting East Anglia.

Copford Church is open for private prayer every day, from 9am and the earlier of dusk or 5.30pm.

Covid Update: The Government have announced that from Thursday, 27th January it will no longer be compulsory to wear a face covering in church, but we will continue to encourage you to do so. We will ensure that those who wish to be socially distanced are able to, in order to attend church. Please also remember to stay at home if you are not well, even if it is just a cold. Thank you for keeping everyone safe.

Please contact Rev Anne-Marie, on  [email protected] with any questions, concerns or comments.

Church of England
You can read the guidance, along with the letter from the Archbishops, here:
https://www.churchofengland.org/more/mediacentre/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-churches

Safeguarding Policy

We are committed to Safeguarding children and young people and vulnerable adults.

The PCC has adopted the Church of England’s policies and best practice on safeguarding which may be found on the Church of England’s website: https://www.chelmsford.anglican.org/safeguarding/safeguarding-contacts

Details of our Parish Safeguarding Representative are:  Susan Collins Email: [email protected]

Mothers’ Union

Mothers’ Union is a Christian organisation for all who have been baptised – men are welcome too! – and seeks to encourage and support families, marriage and a fair and just society for all.  There are more than 3.6 million members living in over 78 countries in the world.

For further information contact Barbara Moore on email [email protected]

 

 

Google Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars (9 total ratings)

PJ Boyles
5 Star
Gorgeous little church, with a Norman apse and 15th century bell tower. The apse has some beautiful Norman windows, absolutely stunning. Roman tile has been used in its construction. The inside is justifiably well known for its vibrant Medieval paintings, some dating to the 1100s. Beautiful setting as well, with Copford Hall next door. The visitor's car park is spacious at the church. If you visit, please donate towards the upkeep of the paintings
Saturday 31st March 2018
Laurie Bolt
4 Star
Mentioned in Simon Jenkins book 1000 best English churches, I was expecting more from this church. The wall paintings are interesting and the apse unusual, but it is difficult to see the original among the Victorian.
Sunday 29th May 2022
Richard Gray
1 Star
My son was taken to this church today by two of his regular carers. My son is autistic with severe learning difficulties. He has no language and minimal communication skills. We know, however, that he loves visiting churches and has spent many happy hours in them. He has always received a warm welcome. Until today: our son’s carers reported that, when they took him into the Anglican Church at Copford, they were approached by a man claiming to be a church custodian. This person declared that he was watching them and made it clear that he objected to my son’s presence and behaviour. He implied that our son had been washing his face in the font: an odd assumption and implication since there was no water in the font. My son has no language, has been diagnosed with a mental age of two and is a complete innocent. So, fortunately, he was unaware of all this. That, however, does not mitigate the behaviour of this person as far as I am concerned. At one point, apparently, he referred to the Christian character of the church and its font. My son is a Christian, as his cares pointed out in response. Judging by this experience, my own opinion is that those in charge of this church should look again at the Christian message.
Saturday 7th November 2020
keith willsher
5 Star
So quite and tidy a credit to my childhood village
Saturday 27th February 2021
Peter Rowlinson
5 Star
A beautiful church built around 1130 , originally a stone vaulted apsidal nave structure entirely covered by paintings. Limited restoration of the C12th paintings took place in the early part of the 20th century whilst in 1991/2a major conservation took place on the C12th paintings. The church is normally open for visitors.
Monday 17th September 2018