This is the largest church in the Octagon. It is a little-changed 11th century building, and more ambitious in size and style than the typical downland churches. The windows and transept arches were changed in the 12th and 13th centuries, the bell tower raised over the south transept in the late 14th century. The chancel eaves were lowered, possibly in the 17th century and there was 19th century restoration to the chancel roof, floor, stained glass, and nave pews.


Griffiths and Cooper have now completed the major rebuild of the 19th Century Willis two- manual Organ installed in 1994. Its pleasant voicing can provide an enlightening and impressive accompaniment to all our Church services and activities, while its appearance and size now blend happily within the Saxon architecture to make a perfect venue to continue the genre of organ recitals, Choir and carol concerts already established.

St Mary has a fine ring of six bells. The ring was augmented from five to six and a major refurbishment, including the installation of a new bell frame, was undertaken in 2007. The full cost of this work was funded by the ringers.

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