About the Church
" One of the most astonishing churches we have ever come across - quite by chance - for architecture, written history and social spirit "
(Pete & Elaine, Bristol)
St Mary's Church is a Grade 1 listed building. Its oldest parts date from about 1290 although little remains from that period. The external walls of the nave and aisle date from the l4th century. The l5th century tower is one of a superb group in this area.
Inside the church, the earliest feature is the circular Norman font. The north aisle, with Georgian box pews, is a l4th century copy of Norman work. The pews in the west end of the church were removed in 2009, revealing the marvellous proportions of the arches between the nave and the north aisle.
The arches of the nave rest on the round columns which have sculptured capitals, all of them different. Here is a fine array of thirty or forty figures and faces below the roof and on the arches. However, even more striking is the considerable outward tilt of the columns, which may even have happened at the time the church was built.
The stone bench on the inside of the north wall probably dates from the 13th century. The carved stone pulpit is 15th century, but the stone steps up to it are 600 years old.
There is a peal of 6 bells, with the tenor dating from c.1400, which were restored and rehung in 1982.
St Mary's can seat a congregation of about 130. There is a flexible space of about
75m2, with 30 chairs, at the west end, available for community use.
The Church is normally open, but if you are making a special trip, please contact us to make sure you will not be disappointed. If you are a wheelchair user, we have some portable ramps we can put in place for you if you let us know you are coming.
Churchwardens
Marje Caie Jo Smith
tel: 01454 218072 tel: 01454 218498
Click here to email the churchwardens
Regular monthly services
1st Sunday 11.00am Service with a Smile - for all the family
2nd Sunday 11.00am Holy Communion
Friday following 2nd Sunday 7.30pm TGI Friday - an informal service and social with drinks and nibbles
Children are welcome at all services, and refreshments are served.
Occasional services
Messy Church:
Messy Church invites us to come together, making things together, sharing happy time together, and celebrating God together. Messy Church is NOT just a craft club! Messy Church is NOT just for children! Messy Church is for everyone – young & old alike, adults, children, teenagers, carers, grandparents, come as friends, families or partners, or come on your own, all-comers welcome.
Messy Church is on the 4th Sunday of alternate months
Big Breakfast Church:
Why cook breakfast when you can join us for bacon rolls, toast and tea/coffee served before the service?
Big Breakfast Church is on the 5th Sunday, alternately at St Mary's Nettelton & Burton and St James' North Wraxall
For dates and times of these services go to News from St Mary's Church
Other activities
Parent & Toddler Club 10.30 - 12.00 Every Wednesday. For the under 5's and those who look after you.
Lunch Club: 12.15 - 1.15 The 2nd Wednesday of each month. Good company and a light lunch