Rights Managed > Historic England > Historic Images > 1960 to the present day
St Etheldredas Church, Hatfield a054112
Filename: AA054112.jpg
Size: 4332 x 4357 (6.1MB)
Date: 23rd March 2007
Source: Historic England
Credit: Historic England Archive
Source: 1698587
© Historic England
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Historic England
St Etheldredas Church, Hatfield a054112
ST ETHELDREDAs CHURCH, Hatfield, Hertfordshire. View showing a tractor being driven through the 15th century west tower doorway of the church during preparations for the harvest festival in 1960. John Gay
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 430568
© Historic England
Arch Church Entrance Religion Rural Tractor
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures a unique moment in the history of St Etheldreda's Church in Hatfield, Hertfordshire. Taken by renowned local photographer John Gay in 1960, the image shows a tractor making its way through the ancient west tower doorway of the church. The scene is one of preparation for the Harvest Festival, a time-honored tradition that celebrates the bounty of the land and the community's connection to it. The 15th century west tower, with its intricately carved stonework and distinctive archway, stands as a testament to the enduring history of this rural church. The juxtaposition of the modern tractor against the backdrop of the medieval architecture serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of life in the countryside. St Etheldreda's Church, dedicated to the 7th century Anglo-Saxon princess and patron saint of Hatfield, has been a place of worship for over a thousand years. The church's rich history is reflected in its many architectural styles, from the Norman nave to the Perpendicular chancel and the Victorian restoration. The photograph by John Gay offers a glimpse into the past, showcasing the church's connection to the community and the rural way of life. The tractor's passage through the doorway symbolizes the continuity of tradition, as the church and its people adapt to the changing times while remaining rooted in their history.
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