We have been working on a new exhibition for some time – the Heritage Centre has always boasted of its four important ‘sons’ but now it is time for the women of the village to be celebrated.  Each in her own way has changed lives both in Churchill and in the wider world.

OUR Four remarkable women

 Elizabeth Bourne (1549-1599)
Who controversially petitioned for divorce from her philandering husband and left letters which are now considered a most significant and valuable historical source of early modern literature and inform a greater understanding of women’s negotiations for legal autonomy in the sixteenth century.
A seventeenth-century eccentric

Anne Walter (Unknown – 1707)
Who lived in fear of being murdered but left a trust which is still providing grants for education purposes.
A nineteenth-century grocer

Emily Jennings (1814-1885)
Whose legacy launched a village charity.
A twentieth-century High Sheriff

Judy Hutchinson (1916-1989)
Whose secret war work has never been fully acknowledged.

From Our Guest Book

  • "A fascinating display in a very beautiful setting."

  • "What a lovely treat to stumble upon. Thank you for preserving a part of our Heritage"

  • "Fantastic, absolutely first class. Most interesting and informative."

  • "A little gem I didn't know existed."

  • "A fine chance discovery"

  • "Beautiful restoration, very nicely done! Unexpected hive of information."

  • "Lovely spot, so grateful this part of the old church was saved."

  • "Great building, well restored. Charming!"

  • "A fascinating visit. William Smith was a wonderful man! "

  • "Very good new interactive displays, very comprehensive."

  • "Beautiful setting, very peaceful & informative"

  • "Why haven't we been here earlier? We shall certainly return!"

  • "Congratulations to all on this initiative.  So well-organised and user-friendly."

  • "Such a wonderful enterprise. The locality should be proud of it."

  • "Excellent to have this centre as a focus for Churchill's history - especially in relation to William Smith."