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St Mary the Virgin
ST MARY IN THE MARSH
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One of the most picturesque churches on the Marsh, St Mary the Virgin was built in the mid 12th century with a small chancel, nave and tower. As with so many Marsh churches, the aisles were added in the 13th century to accommodate an increasing number of guild and chantry altars.
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Outside, in the south wall of the chancel, a priest’s door remains with a medieval scratch dial carved on the right hand door jamb. In the churchyard, simple wooden posts and a rail mark the grave of E. Nesbit, author of The Railway Children and other children’s books.
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The historic Star Inn, across the road from the church, serves drinks and hot food. It also has a lovely beer garden overlooking the church - regularly used by cyclists, walkers and holiday makers.
Some heritage information boards can also be found in the pub.
Access
Usually open. Churchwarden Bill Caudwell Tel: 01797 363663. Further information about the local church community may be found on the website of the Romney Marsh Benefice.
Postcode: TN29 0BX
The church has several interesting floor brasses.
Simple wooden posts and a rail, mark the grave of E. Nesbit, author of The Railway Children and many other children’s books and poems.
The Chancel contains stone carved double piscinae and double sedilia, used during medieval worship.
All that remains of the early Norman church is the tower, which has rounded Norman arches.
A Saxon church probably existed on this site.
A medieval scratch dial is carved into the stone frame of the priest's door.
The church has fine examples of craftsmanship, including some beautiful tilework.
Tall white Georgian box pews were replaced in 1910 during major renovation work.
The coat of arms of George III dates to 1775 and is still in its original frame.
Three bells hang in the tower.
The original Norman church would have been very small and dark. In about 1220 the chancel was extended.
The painted and gilded panel behind the font is thought to be Italian or Flemish.
The entrance to a medieval rood loft is cut into the south arcade wall.
Carved stone corbels can be seen - one a grinning mask and the other a head of a priest with the top of his head shaved.
There are interesting examples of stained glass. Fragments of 15th century grey stained glass can also be seen in some windows.
Find out more
Discover more about St Mary the Virgin’s Church at St Mary in the Marsh with our new self-guided tour. Scan the QR code on your mobile device or click the tour button to view online.
Listen online
An audio-only version of the tour is also available to listen to here.
The Marsh Mosaics Art Trail - Downloadable Handouts
RMHCT Funded Project
Fabric repairs to the woodwork, spire and weather vane.
