Friends of Essex Churches Trust

Study Days

The aim of the Study Days is to fulfil the educational role of the Friends of Essex Churches Trust, to provide access to church buildings that might not normally be open, to introduce people to unexpected delights that might otherwise be overlooked, and along the way to enjoy exploring Essex and East London and, weather permitting, have a picnic.  It is also often an opportunity to visit churches that have been repaired with the help of a grant from the Friends.  Study Days are open to all, Friends and friends alike; a small charge is made, with the proceeds helping the Friends to continue their work of helping to preserve and maintain our churches and chapels.

The Friends hold two Study Days each year, usually on the first Wednesday in May and the first Saturday in October, when we visit five or six churches or chapels somewhere in Essex. 

Study Day visit to
Theydon Mount, St Michael

The Study Days were started by Canon John Fitch in 1989, and since then we have visited over 170 churches and chapels of all denominations in all corners of Essex and East London from Clavering to Prittlewell and from West Ham to Harwich. They are now led by Dr James Bettley.