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We are a small congregation commemorating the 400th anniversary of the death of the village's Elizabethan composer, William Byrd (c.1540 - 1623).

We are planning to erect a permanent memorial to Byrd to mark the quatercentenary since his death, and have begun a fundraising appeal. Our events this year have included a talk on The Life and Times of William Byrd (30 June), including book release; a Commemorative Service of BCP Evensong (2 July); and, welcomed The Stondon Singers who gave a sell-out William Byrd Anniversary Concert on the actual day (4 July). Stondon Massey has also featured on BBC Radio 3's 'Composer of the Week' programme (3-7 July).

This website contains everything you need to know about William Byrd's life and music as well as his links with Stondon Massey. /

Sunday, 9 July 2023

Byrd Bike Ride




Members of Ingatestone Pedallers social cycling group called in at Stondon Massey Church last Sunday (2 July) in celebration of William Byrd. 

The 'William Byrd Fantasia' cycle ride was created a few years ago by local historian Robert Fletcher visiting two places strongly associated with the great composer: Ingatestone Hall, the home of the Petre family, and the churchyard at Stondon Massey, where Byrd is believed to have been buried in 1623. 

The 16-mile route passes Stondon Place, Byrd's home, and calls in at Byrd Mead near the Bricklayers Arms which are council homes for elderly residents built in 1985.

The group was shown around the church and viewed Byrd's Will and engraving which hang in the Vestry.


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