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Christian Science in High Wycombe and Maidenhead
History
The interactive timelines and image galleries below give a glimpse into the past of Christian Science in High Wycombe, as well as the detailed history of the buildings and land our church currently occupies.
A history of Christian Science in High Wycombe
Healing beginnings
In the early 1900’s, the Christian Science healing work of Admiral Dunlop of Gerrards Cross, led to interest in the Buckinghamshire area.
Christian Science Society
The first Christian Science Society in High Wycombe is founded, with some seventeen members.
New location
The Society moved from a house in Oxford Road to rooms at 28 High Street, High Wycombe
First Church of Christ, Scientist
The Society was recognised by The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, as a Christian Science church in High Wycombe.
A growing church
In June 1976, the church members decided to expand the facilities to accommodate 100 people, and in 1978 a contract was let and a new larger auditorium was opened in May 1979, and dedicated, free of any debt on 3 May 1981. A report of the event published in the local newspaper indicated the purpose of our church as “healing the ills and disorders of individuals and society through spiritual means alone”.
Making a move
In November 1999 the members agreed to pursue the sale of the town centre Corporation Street site and after considerable work with town planners and developers, moved from the site in October 2002.
A new home
After a brief period of renting accommodation in Bassetsbury Manor, the church purchased the Tythe Barn in February 2003, and after planning approval and building work, the first Sunday services were held in July 2003. Dedication services for the church in the new building were held on Sunday 29 February 2004, with all the building and restoration work completed.
The Tythe Barn Inauguration 2003
A history of the Bassetsbury Estate and Tythe Barn
King John
King John granted the Manor to Sir Alan Basset, one of the nine barons who were present at the sealing of the Magna Carta at Runnymeade.
Despencers
The Manor passed to the Despencers, and later reverted to the crown by attainder.
Earl of Northampton
Granted by the King to William de Bohun, Earl of Northampton.
Henry IV
The Manor passed into the ownership of the Crown, when Henry Duke of Lancaster became Henry IV.
The great barn
The estate had two fulling mills and a great Barn. Held records show that the Barn was repaired in 1411 with tiles from Penn at 3s-4d per thousand tiles.
Bassetsbury
The name “Bassetsbury” was first recorded.
Edward IV
King Edward IV granted the Manor to the Dean and Chapter of Windsor, who later leased it to Lord Windsor, then John Raunce, and finally became vested in the Dashwoods of West Wycombe.
Walter Jessop
Walter Jessop was bailiff of the manor, and the wealthiest man in Wycombe.
The Tudors
A half timbered house stood on the site, and Queen Elizabeth I was entertained there for one night by John Raunce. Re-modelling took place during the reign of Charles II, but some of the Tudor woodwork remains to this day.
The Dashwoods
The Dashwoods of West Wycombe acquired the lease of the Manor of Wycombe, comprising the Bassetsbury Manor house, the Mill and Barn and Holwell Mead (later joined to the Rye).
Royal Lancastrian School
The Royal Lancasterian School occupied the Manor house with 180 boys housed in two rooms.
Lord Carrington
The Dashwoods lease of the Manor from 1717 expired, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners sold it to Lord Carrington.
Derelict
The buildings were derelict, and in considerable disrepair, with no internal sanitation, no water service or internal lighting. Sir Winston Churchill inspected the Manor with a view to purchase, but did not proceed.
A rebirth
Purchased by Fred Skull, the grandson of Walter Skull, renowned furniture manufacturers of High Wycombe. He significantly restored the Manor house through the 1930’s, to its authentic history as a small Charles II Manor house, with some of its Tudor core retained. The main doors to the Manor and several other fittings (including wood panelling) came from the original Quaker Meeting House in Crendon Street when it was demolished. The South end of the Manor house was extended significantly. With renovation completed, the Manor house was then exquisitely furnished with period antiques.
A royal visit
Queen Mary visited the Manor house to view the restored house and its collection of antiques.
The end of an era
After Fred Skull’s death, the contents of the house were auctioned by Christies, and the estate was purchased by Wycombe District Council. Previously the National Trust had been offered the Manor house with contents as a gift, but finally declined the generous offer.
Wedding venue
Bassetsbury Manor was in use as a prestigious setting for commercial lettings, and from 1997 was a much sought after licensed venue for weddings.
Crown House School
The premises have recently been sold by the Wycombe District Council to the Crown House School for development, opening in September 2014.
Redevelopment
Bassetsbury corn mill and adjoining cottages have been developed as housing.The Tythe Barn was significantly renovated by Wycombe District Council in the late 1990’s, including a re-roofing and foundations, and subsequently auctioned for development as offices.
The Tythe Barn
The major part of the barn – “The Tythe Barn” and its outbuildings, were purchased in 2003, for use by the Christian Science church in High Wycombe, after over 70 years in other premises in the town. The outbuildings, which were the original cow sheds to the barn, were restored by the church, and are now used as car space.
The Tythe Barn, then and now
Christian Science Society, High Wycombe & Maidenhead, Tythe Barn, Bassetsbury Lane, High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, HP11 1QX
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