A Saxon church, which was mentioned in the 1086 Domesday Book, is celebrating two special anniversaries.

St John the Baptist Parish Church in Old Malden will be celebrating the rebuilding of the original Saxon part of the church, the Lady Chapel, and the publication of the King James Bible, both of which happened 400 years ago in 1611.

Both events are linked because the Bishop of London, Sir Thomas Ravis, who was born in Malden, was involved in the church’s re-building and the translation of the tome.

The church, which is tucked away in a quiet conservation area, has organised a series of celebratory events throughout June to mark the two anniversaries.

Events include exhibitions and talks on the history of the church and the King James Bible, a Jacobean evening, a Maeldune fayre and a patronal festival.

Pat Lovegrove, a member of the 1611 celebrations organising committee, said: “It is a popular place for weddings because it is so pretty up there.

“Most people do not even know it is there – it is a hidden gem. It is just a little country church in the middle of suburbia.

“The church is very busy, we have lots going on for all ages, from the toddlers group and Sunday school to the mothers’ union.”

The Domesday Book, which was commissioned in 1085 by William the Conqueror and contains records for 13,418 English settlements, mentions the Saxon church at Maeldune (Malden), meaning the cross on the hill.

Over the years, the church was improved, with a large Victorian extension built in 1875 and a two-story contemporary extension added in 2004, for informal services, a children’s ministry and the choir vestry.

Today, the church enjoys a strong 300-member congregation and, with other groups and visitors, nearly 1,000 people a week come through its doors.

The vicar of St John the Baptist, Kevin Scott, said: “[Our congregation] are wonderful people of all ages and backgrounds, who are there week after week.

“It is a lovely place to be and is a focal point of community life.”