Saint Mary's Church dates back to 1086!
The site first had a Norman Church in 1086-this is known because it is listed in the Domesday book. They know that the building was a lot smaller and made of flint. The oldest structures that are still in the present church are found in the Chancel-these are the exterior Priest's door and the chancel arch itself, which date from 1200 to 1300. There used to be an old priory for the Augustinian Canons (these were priests living under the 'Rule of Saint Augustine') on the site, but they are all ruins now. The present Church of Saint Mary dates from the 14th century but in 15th and 16th centuries was remodelled almost completely. We know from records that in 1533 money was donated by Tom Martin towards leading the roof. Only the dado remains of the leaded roof now. The church is now an impressive sight to see, with its West tower (started in about 1471) that has walls at least 6 feet thick and foundations almost 7 feet deep and the Church's intricately designed features all over the site. |