St Mary's Church, Wivenhoe
Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9BD
The church is first mentioned in 1254. At least part of the medieval church survives today, including the tower built around 1500. Following a fire in 1850, the church was extensively rebuilt by a local architect E. C. Hakewill (1816-72). Shortly afterwards it was damaged in the Colchester Earthquake which occurred on 22 April 1884.
Inside, there are memorial brasses to William, Viscount Beaumont (died 1507) and his second wife, Elizabeth Scroope (died 1537), who subsequently became the wife of the 13th Earl of Oxford. A third brass commemorates Elizabeth's chaplain, Thomas Westeley (died 1535). The east windows in the chancel and north chancel aisle have stained glass by William Warrington (1796-1869) who also worked at Ely and Norwich cathedrals.
The meeting room in the extension has a modern stained-glass window by local artist James Dodds, who is well-known for his paintings and prints inspired by boats and boat-building.
There will be half an hour guided tours at regular intervals and coffee, tea and cake will be available in the meeting room.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1230-1630
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1230-1630
Location & directions
Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9BD
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
St Mary's Church is open on the same days as The Nottage Maritime Institute and Wivenhoe Chapel Museum which are nearby in Wivenhoe. In addition, a visit can be combined with the University of Essex architecture tour on 15 September at 14.00.
