St. Mary's Church
History & Heritage
This is just a brief summary. If you want to know more about our history and heritage please visit our heritage web-site.
St Mary’s is a Grade I-listed building of considerable historical interest, its carved stone screen being the most imposing architectural feature. Completed in 1450, it is probably the third church on this site, its predecessor being dedicated in 1259, replacing an earlier Saxon church. People have been worshipping and praying here for at least one thousand years.
The Medieval Priory attached to the church was dissolved in the 16th century. It had been founded by Judhael, a Breton knight of William I, and owned by the Benedictine Priory at Angers in France. The Guildhall to the north of the church has some ancient fabric from the Priory buildings and is well worth visiting.
The churchyard, closed for burials in the 19th century is a peaceful setting and you can wander around the outside of the church appreciating the sandstone and limestone construction, including stones reused from the earlier buildings, and the gargoyles.
Of particular interest to visitors inside the church is the magnificent 15th century stone screen, quite a rarity in a parish church. Together with the stone pillars, arcades and pulpits the church retains the architectural character of the late Gothic (Perpendicular) style.
Also worthy of note are the 15th century Rood Screen staircase; the 17th century south door and the memorials in the north aisle, especially the Blackall monument and the Seymour bibles; the 18th century candelabra and font cover and (probably also from the 18th century) the Corporation Pew frontals
The side chapels are dedicated to St. George and St. Leonard. In the St. Leonard chapel is a memorial plaque to Walter Venning (1781-1821), Russian prison reformer.
In 1867 the Victorians began work on the restoration and reordering of the church under the architect Sir George Scott. The windows were rebuilt, the north aisle was extended, a new improved gallery was added and the corporation seats, which had been sited at the front of the church, were moved to the back. Much of the woodwork dates from this period, including the pews with bend ends carved by Harry Hems and the restored oak wagon roof with its gold painted bosses and angels (in the sanctuary). From the Edwardian era come most of the figurative stained glass windows, though there is also some later glass.
In 2025 St Mary’s Church underwent another major restoration, focussed on the nave, with a new level floor throughout (in Victorian style); more open space; complete rewiring including a new heating system and solar panels; plus improved facilities and new furniture.
You can learn loads more about all of this by following the link above.
