St Mary the Virgin Church

St Mary's is a beautiful old church situated in a dip so that whichever way one approaches, the view of the building is breath taking. Turn a corner and stand for a moment in admiration.The porch invites people to enter and wander quietly enjoying the peace and beauty of the sweeping arches, mighty pillars of warm stone and the spiritual atmosphere. Stand and stare at the glorious stained glass windows, pray in the prayer corner or enjoy the Sunday service knowing children are safe in the designated play areas.There is much history which can be told by those who love the building but take time to enjoy the peace and spirituality that can be felt when sitting quietly.Often the porch and church are decorated with flowers for weddings, festivals, etc. and the building is used for many different activities from wreath making to wonderful, musical events. It is a church for people, to be used and loved.Those who attend St Mary's are blessed - I know because I am one of them.

Absolutely beautiful and tranquil church.

Beautiful old church with an interesting history

Growing local evangelical Anglican congregation in a beautiful location. Active, well organised and lots of genuine faith.

Great place, with cemetery outside, you may breathe the local history here

So much history which makes this Parish Church a wonderful place to visit. I was on holidays from Australia and stayed in Woodstock and read about this Church, and had to visit. The bus trip here added to the fun of the trip. The town itself is a great place to explore.

A wool church and Grade I listed building, St Mary the Virgin is tucked away near the bottom of the hill on which the town sits.A wool church is an English church financed primarily by donations from rich merchants and farmers who had benefitted from the medieval wool trade, hoping to ensure a place in heaven due to their largesse.The setting seems incongruous, however it is here in the shadow of the church, and what was once the castle, that the settlement was originally concentrated. In the early 13th century a new town centre and market place were established further up the hill, leaving the church behind.Particularly noteworthy features include: the 15th century clerestory - the window-lit upper storey of the nave - which has an unusually high ratio of glass to wall, making the nave seem light and airy; the great Decorated window at the east end of the south aisle, which legend has it was brought her from Bruern Abbey at the Dissolution; the unusual hexagonal porch with carved faces - including a green man with leafy tendrils sprouting from his nose and a lion sticking his tongue out at all who pass by; the fine Perpendicular nave; two 16th century chest tombs, one to Richard Croft (d 1502) and his wife (d 1509), the other, scored with old graffiti, to Thomas Rickardes (d 1570).

Fascinating church. Lots of mill history. And one of the widest churches I've seen

Lovely, welcoming atmosphere. We thoroughly enjoyed the service we attended and felt at ease, even though we were not regulars.

Not sure how old this church is, but judging by the 19th century graves it seems to be quite old. The whole area has a very interesting vibe, as if at any moment a ghost could pop out from behind a tree. Really moody and quite intense, very good place for taking pictures too. If you have the time when visiting, take a walk there.