About Us

This is the northernmost church of the Octagon Parish. Once again, as it was originally, a chapel of ease to East Marden and approached through a former farmyard, St Mary's is believed to have been founded by Geoffrey, son of Azo, late in the 12th century. It consists of an undivided nave and chancel. The chancel has a semi-circular (apsidal) end, and is one of only six small churches in England that has one. The principal feature of the church is the elaborate Norman south doorway. Made of Caen stone, this was probably shipped across the channel to Chichester harbour and then transported by packhorse to North Marden. There is no electricity in the church. For several years this church was used for a monthly service by the Society of St Columba.

For more information about the history and architecture of this church, click HERE. This is one of the churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary which are included in the four-day Mary's Crescent walk, and was included in the list of 'eight glorious churches that hardly anyone knows are there' in the Daily Telegraph.