Peripheral Wall, Gates And Railings To St Marys Churchyard

The peripheral wall, gates, and railings surrounding St Mary's Churchyard are of historical significance. The wall dates back to the medieval period and has undergone repairs, while the gates and railings were added in the 19th century. The churchyard is situated level with St Mary's Hill to the north but is about 6 meters higher than the ground that slopes steeply down to the south. The retaining wall is primarily constructed of coursed sandstone, with bedrock visible on the south and west sides, and it features minor repairs made with smaller stones and brick. A portion of the wall is battered, and there are two buttresses at the southwest corner along with recent buttresses on the east side. The railings are set on a stone plinth, and the gabled stone gate piers support iron gates to the north, which include decorative elements such as dogbars, angel-wings, and pineapple finials. Steps leading up from an iron east gate were blocked in 1815, as noted by an inscription. The railings are simple, made of iron with square bars.