The ruined tower of Cold Christmas Church stands alone in a plot of trees, sentinel to overgrown graves and buried foundations. It served the town of Thundridge in Hertfordshire for centuries. Its ancient paths and lychways are now traveled by joggers, dog walkers, and the occasional dark tourist, drawn by the rumors of its legendary haunting.
It was constructed in 1086 as part of the Hugh De Desmaisnil Estate when it was known as St Mary’s Church. It was deconsecrated and partially dismantled in 1853, leaving only the bell tower and graveyard. Some claim the church was demolished because of its unwholesome north-south alignment, associating it with Devil worship. Historians are quick to refute this, though, citing the church’s construction, which was built lying east-west, as was customary for all churches.
The name “Cold Christmas” speaks to a tragic winter storm that ravaged the community on Christmas day. Though the exact year is unknown, many children allegedly froze to death. Legend states that the children were buried in a mass grave in the churchyard, where the ghostly echo of their cries can still be heard. Those who visit the tower report overwhelming feelings of heaviness and dread. Others claim to have witnessed shadow figures skulking among the overgrown tombstones, sometimes accompanied by growling or disembodied voices.
Old St. Mary’s is renowned for its paranormal attributes. However, one of its lesser-known and more fantastic legends is that of the Dragon Slayer, Sir Shonks. Piers Shonks was an 11th-century knight conscripted by the lord of Brent Pelham to find and slay an evil wyrm that was menacing the nearby town of Barkway. Sir Shonks confronted the 23-foot-tall beast in its lairs under a massive yew tree and engaged it in battle. The fight was long and bloody, but ultimately, Shonks emerged victorious.
However, in defeating the dragon, the Knight incurred the Devil’s ire. Satan vowed that as punishment for killing his pet, he would come for Shonks’ soul, “whether he be buried inside a church or out.” Shonks was a clever dragon slayer and proved a vexing target for Satan’s wrath. On his death bed, Shonks nocked an arrow in his bow and let it fly, declaring he would be buried where the arrow fell. The missile sailed through the north window of the tower and struck the south. So, Shonks was buried in an alcove there, neither in nor outside of the church, thus denying Satan the pleasure of his soul.
In part, his inscription reads:
But Shonks one serpent kills t’other defies
And in this wall as in a fortress lies
Today, the Old Church is a scheduled monument and has limited access. The tower has been filled with rubble to prevent vandals from further damaging the ancient structure. However, the churchyard and its ruined foundations are still accessible, and the entire site is a gorgeous example of medieval architecture. One day, should the funding become available, the community hopes to restore it to its former glory. So, whether you come searching for ghosts or history, be respectful.
Jason Roberts is a Seattle-based author noted for his acclaimed Western Horror series The Dead Wind Trilogy and other works of cosmic horror infused with historical fiction. His web-based series, Dark Distractions, examines paranormal mysteries, unexplained phenomena, and all things strange.
