Locksmith Babb’s Green, Ware SG12

The Wareside Church, situated on the outskirts of Babbs Green, was constructed as a chapel-of-ease to serve the inhabitants of the Ware Uplands. It was designed by Thomas Smith of Hertford, following instructions from Coddington, who was determined to ensure that the building reflected the architecture of the early Roman churches. However, some people criticized Coddington’s liturgical approach and other aspects of divine service, accusing him of being “Popish” due to his strong support of the “Oxford Movement”. In addition, his Tory politics were at odds with the prevailing attitudes in Ware. Prior to Coddington, the town had a well-established low-church tradition, and the encounter between these two opposing viewpoints was uneasy, perhaps especially so for Coddington himself.