The first settlement in Cobham is recorded in the Domesday Book and the present church dates from the middle of the 12th century. Although many modifications and additions have taken place over time, especially heavy restoration during the 19th century, parts of the original building still survive as do various features and artefacts from every period since that date.

For some 850 years, therefore, prayer and worship have been continually offered in this place by a countless number of people. Landed gentry and generals, ploughmen and domestic servants have each made it their spiritual home; all of them equal in the eyes of the One to whom their prayers have been addressed.

When you walk around and your eyes roam over wood and glass and stone you will need to remember that most of the story this building tells was written in lives that go unrecorded and can only be heard by breathing in the atmosphere.

Most people equate the Church with church buildings, but that is not really the case. The Church is made of people who, as part of their lives as Christians, regularly meet to worship together and to receive the gifts of God’s strength and blessing through the sacraments, especially that of Holy Communion. Serving a God whose nature is love is expressed in and through the life of relationships in community. Our church buildings provide sacred space which serves to speak of God’s unseen presence in our lives. Not only are they places for people to come together, but also signs of God’s constant presence, love and care in the whole of our lives.

[Photo reproduced by kind permission of Dawson Strange Photography Ltd]

There are many treasures to be found inside St. Andrew’s and if you visit the church you will find a small blue leaflet to help you discover them.

If you visit our Tour page you will see that what might only appear to be an historical monument can be seen and understood in a way that links with our lives; the story it tells helping to reveal the meaning of our own unique stories as individuals.