St John the Baptist, Church

St John's Church in Stone dates back to the 12th century, but has been subject to significant changes over the centuries. One of the most notable features within the church is the Norman Font which was moved there from Hampstead Norrey, Berks in 1845.

There is an area on the left hand side of the church containing the memorials of Admiral William Henry Smyth and his family. The Admiral who lived in Stone Lodge for a number of years was a distinguished astronomer and the grandfather of Lord Baden Powell.

The churchyard is maintained by a group of volunteers and during recent years the grass and flower meadow has been allowed to flourish during the summer and this resulted in 18 species of butterfly being observed there during the summer of 2017. This was the most species recorded in any churchyard being monitored by the Upper Thames Branch of Butterfly Conservation.

Lovely cowslips. Ancestors buried here.

Beautiful church