Parish Church Of St Mary

The Parish Church of St Mary is a large and impressive church featuring a tall central tower, nave, aisles, chancel, and aisled transepts. It includes some Norman and earlier 13th-century work, but most of the church dates from the late 13th to mid 14th century. The exterior is dominated by 15th-century Perpendicular additions. The north vestry is from the 16th century. The church was restored by the architect George Gilbert Scott during the 1850s. It was once a cell of Lewes Priory, which constructed the chancel. Notable features include a fine Perpendicular clerestory that spans the nave and chancel, and the upper stages of the tower, which rest on Norman foundations. There is a well-crafted west porch dating from the 14th century, along with north and south entrances. Inside, the church houses a medieval tomb of Lord Mowbray and various monuments from the 14th, 15th, 16th, and 18th centuries, including a tablet dedicated to the artist John Ferneley. The church is a prominent feature in both near and distant views of the town and is part of a group of listed buildings on Burton Street, which includes Nos 24 to 36 (even) of local interest.