St Nicholas’ Church is supporting the restoration of two historic artefacts relating to John Hampden MP and churchwarden who on January 9th 1635 led a refusal to pay “Ship Money” a tax levied without the consent of parliament. In the end this led to the English Civil War and the establishment of parliamentary democracy.

Firstly the facsimile document recording the events of that day.

Secondly the village sign commemorating John Hampden. 

We have been working on this for two years and ......

We are delighted to announce that we are unveiling both artefacts at St Nicholas’ Church, Great Kimble on Sunday 19th June 16.30

On the occasion of the anniversary of John Hampden’s death, the Earl of Buckinghamshire will be unveiling the two restored artefacts: 

A facsimile of the 1635 Document returning the tax warrant unpaid to the High Sheriff of Buckinghamshire and the Great Kimble Village
Sign, which hung in the churchyard, both relating to his ancestor John Hampden.

In January 1635 St Nicholas’ Church was the site of a very significant event in the nation’s history when the local MP John Hampden and his tenants met and decided to refuse to pay the Ship Money Tax because it was imposed without the assent of Parliament. The consequences
of this event were ultimately the recall of parliament followed by the failed attempt by the King to arrest John Hampden and four other MPs. This is commemorated at the state opening of parliament by MPs locking the doors of the House of Commons and only coming out at the request of ‘Black Rod’. The consequence was the English Civil War, the execution of the king and the establishment of parliamentary primacy.

Our local, professional historian, Roger Howgate, will give a short talk on the significance of the Document and on the restoration of the Sign. Amongst the various displays in the church will be one recording the three-year restoration of the sign.  Copies of the document will be available to purchase. (all proceeds in aid of Church funds)

Do join us

Your contribution towards the funding of this project will be much appreciated.

Thank you.