HTAG Guildford - St Martha-on-the-Hill

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St Martha-on-the-Hill

There has been a church on St Martha's Hill for over a thousand years, and the oldest part of the present fabric dates from 1190. The church is perched 175 metres above sea level in the woods near Guildford, has no road to it and is approached up a sandy track. Yet, although it is off the beaten track, it is a treasure beloved by all who have discovered it over the years.

The church is situated near the meeting point of two ancient pathways: the North Downs Way and the Pilgrims' Way. The church is still a place of pilgrimage. People come for different reasons: peace and quiet, spiritual refreshment, historical research, love of nature, archaeological interest. Whatever they find, they return to this treasure again and again.

The long history of human activity on the hill is illustrated by evidence of Mesolithic and Neolithic tool production and bronze age ring ditches/druid circles. In about 600 AD pagan Saxons martyred several Christians by fire. Following the murder in 1170 of Thomas a Becket, pilgrims from the west of Britain probably called at St Martha's on their way to his shrine in Canterbury.

This is the only church in Britain dedicated to St Martha. This may be in honour of Martha of Bethany, or it could be a corruption of the word "Martyr", in memory of Christians martyred here in the 7th century.

People of all ages climb the hill Sunday by Sunday to worship and pray, as local Christians have done for over a thousand years. All through the year, whatever the weather, walkers pause here to reflect, or simply to find rest and shelter. To share the church with all who come, we need to keep it open. The hill is popular with local walkers, as well as those on longer treks along the North Downs and Pilgrims' Way between Winchester and Canterbury. The view from the top is of rolling fields and woodland, and on a clear day it is possible to glimpse eight counties.

St Martha-on-the-Hill is floodlit each Christmas, and on Christmas Eve is packed for Midnight Mass. It is popular for weddings and has welcomed special services such as those for the Ramblers' Association, Pony Club, and people with pets.

With such a wealth of history, there is plenty for school children to explore and investigate. Materials on St Martha-on-the-Hill are being prepared, that fit with the National Curriculum.

St Martha-on-the-Hill is in urgent need of funds for repair and development work. A campaign has been organised to ensure that future generations can share this precious church. Their aims are to: -