St Jame's Church, Goffs Oak

Churchgoing in the UK hit a decline in the mid 1800s. In 1851 it was recorded that approximately 42% of the British population did no longer attend church. In rural communities however, this was not so much the case. The small village of Goffs Oak obviously fit into the latter category.

It was around the middle of the 19th century that 2 wealthy men, James Bentley along with Robert Port helped Goffs Oak to build its church. Each man gave a 500 pound donation towards the cost of building the church. Other generous gifts were given to the project by Francis Thompson of Claremont, John Levick of Upper Burleigh and Lady Meux of Theobalds Park. It took 18 months for enough money to be raised to build the church and it was on St. Jame's day 1860 that James Bentley (who was the High Sheriff of Hertfordshire) laid the cermonious foundation stone for the church. A dedication was made during St. James day 1962, 2 years later, hence the name St. Jame's Church.

The church was designed in London and was of gothic design. By the time of completion it has cost a total of 2,640 pounds, 400 of which were spent on extras. The church originally sat 421 people, 50 seats were reserved for children and 85 were rented. The rest were free. Lighting was provided by candles on the end of each pew and 1928 electricity was installed.

For 146 years the parish has served the community of Goffs Oak and in 2004 improvements were made so that it can continue to serve the village into the years to come.