The Parish Church of St Mary is the principal glory of the town.  Even in a county famed throughout the world for its lovely churches, this beautiful building is outstanding.  Surrounded by ornamental trees and standing well back from the road, its position is excellent, proving once again the wisdom of the ancient builder, who not only fashioned jewels but knew how to set them.   It is a large and very handsome edifice in the Norman and Early English styles and is large and shapely, with a battlemented tower and a graceful spire. 

The church consists of a tower and spire, north and south aisles, chancel and north porch, all constructed of local stone.  The foundations of the present church are Norman and a number of Norman features still remain.  The church was dedicated in 1147 and people have worshipped God there ever since. (Click here for a full history of St Mary's Church.)

St Mary's Church 1847 An engraving before the Victorian 'restorations' and additions of the 1860's and 1880's

St Mary's Church 2008