from an original painting by Christopher Hollick of Holme Hale.

The origins of what is now Holme Hale church are uncertain. Reference is made to its construction having "commenced in the reign of Richard III" (1483-85), and also to "the erection of the new church about 1430".  The tower is reported as being built "about 1431-35".  Yet the church contains some Norman features, and the earliest recorded Rector is Adam Talebot in 1317.

What is more certain is that Hale church, as it then was, was consolidated in about 1470 with the neighbouring - and older - church of Holm, when the two lordships were combined in about 1375, following the ravages of the black death, the tenures of both being held by the Illey family.

The church is a building of flint and freestone in the Decorated and Perpendicular styles.  It consists of a small chancel, lofty nave, north aisle and porch, and a massive square western embattled tower, the latter containing six bells dating from 1652 to 1746.

There are a number of unique features.  The hammerbeam roof has large effigies of angels or priests hovering over the nave.  The carved oak rood screen is particularly fine and contains two mouchette wheels fitted with intricate tracery.  The old pews in the north aisle have curious and quant carved elbows, comprising both human and animal figures.  All the human figures are defaced, suggesting that the pew ends are pre-Reformation.

The registers date from 1538, the oldest being of parchment.  The earliest are in old English, being replaced by Latin in 1545.

The church building is Listed Grade 1.

WORSHIP

In a four-Sunday month:

First and Third Sundays - Morning Prayer at 11.15am

Second and Fourth Sundays - Morning Prayer at 11.15am, followed by a short service of Holy Communion.

In a five-Sunday month:

First, Third and Fifth Sundays - Morning Prayer at 11.15am

Second Sunday - Morning Prayer at 11.15am, followed by a short service of Holy Communion.

Fourth Sunday - full service of Holy Communion.

All these services are from the Book of Common Prayer.

Other services are held in celebration of Easter, our Summer Festival, Harvest, Remembrance Sunday and Christmas.

WAR MEMORIAL

The War Memorial is sited in the churchyard and bears the names:

1914-1918

William Buxton, William Copsey, Charles Dixon, Albert Eagle, Robert Eagle, Sidney Eagle, Louis Heyhoe, Arthur Smith, Charles Sturman, George Thurrell, Reginald Thurrell.

1939-1945

Eric Hird, Leonard Fitt.