St Marys Church, Hemel Hempstead

Its construction was commenced in 1140 and was dedicated in 1150 although construction continued for another 30 years.
It is cruciform in shape, with chancel, the first part to be built, nave south and north transepts, and a tower. A spire, one of the tallest in Europe was added in the 14th century with a total height of 200 feet. It is topped by a gilded weather vane. The church is built from the local clunch stone and flint with some addition of Roman bricks. The architecture is Norman throughout apart from porches added in the 14th and 15th centuries. A 19th century vestry was added on the north east corner.

A ring of five bells was recorded in the reign of Edward VI. None of these remain and the present ring is of 8 bells dating from 1590 to 1767. In 1950, as part of the 800th anniversary, the bells were retuned by Gillet and Johnson of Croydon and rehung on steel frames with completely new fittings. The eight bells are inscribed as follows:
1. (Treble) Lester and Pack - 1758
2. Lester and Pack - 1758
3. Chandler made me - 1688
4. Praise the Lord - 1633
5. Lawdate Domini - undated
6. God save King James - 1604
7. Sana Manet Christi - 1617

8. (Tenor) Lester and Pack - 1767