A brief History

Hermitage used to be in the parish of Hampstead Norreys, under the patronage of the Marquis of Downshire. The Vicar in 1835 was Rev. James Reed. He was also private chaplain to Queen Adelaide, consort of William IV (uncle of Queen Victoria). 

In April of that year, the Marquis wrote to the Queen’s Chamberlain informing him that some of the parishioners in some of the hamlets wished to build a chapel at Hermitage, nearer to their homes, to save them the long walk to and from Hampstead Norreys on Sundays, and asking that it might have the honour of bearing the Queen’s name. This favour was readily granted and, the necessary funds having been provided by the Marquis, vicar, local farmers, mechanics and labourers, and other benefactors, the Adelaide Chapel-of-ease was speedily completed and furnished, and dedicated to the Holy Trinity on 11th August of the same year, 1835. 

In 1840, Queen Victoria gave permission for the parish of Hampstead Norreys to be divided, and Hermitage became an ecclesiastical district in its own right. 

However, the two benefices were reunited in 1976, with the vicar living in Hermitage. When the team ministry was formed in 1981, incorporating the five churches of Yattendon, Frilsham, Cold Ash, Hampstead Norreys and Hermitage, the vicar became known as rector.

List of Incumbents