St Mary the Virgin Church

The Church of St Mary the Virgin was originally founded in 670 AD as a small monastic parish church.  It would have been built using the least expensive materials of the day - mud and wood. The present Church was started by the Saxons and enlarged and absorbed by the Normans. The chancel is typically 'Early English' in architecture and style, and the beautiful nave has remained in its present form since 1150.

St Mary's Church - traditionally called the 'Cathedral of the Marshes' - boasts a set of eighteen superbly preserved Misericords (Quire Stalls). On the exterior walls of the tower, it is interesting to observe Roman red bricks, which were probably recycled from the Roman Villa located just to the northeast of the Abbey.  An older (reputedly) Saxon turret is also incorporated into the massive Norman tower, carrying a belfry with a peal of five bells.

St Mary's Church spans centuries, but still retains an indescribable, peace-filled calm. We urge you to come and visit!

The Old Schools, conveniently situated in the churchyard, was originally the village school from 1847-1946. It's now put to good use by the church for community functions, and can be hired by local groups.

Open daily 9am - 4pm. Tours on Saturdays from 12 noon - 2pm by arrangement (please telephone in advance.)

Free Wheelchair use (see below).

Public toilets and car park within 100m.

Access Information

The entrance is fully accessible, with no steps and wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Assistance can be provided at the entrance if necessary by prior arrangement.

The Church is ground-floor-only, but there is 1 step with no lift or ramp alternative. 80% of the attraction is accessible for wheelchair and scooter users. There are plenty of seats available for rest stops and there is a permanent loop of interactive information on display as an alternative means of information.

Free Wheelchair use.

The nearest public parking and accessible toilets are next to The Bell pub at the bottom of the High Street, approximately 140 metres from the Church.