Church Of St Mary Magdalene

The Church of St Mary Magdalene was built between 1330 and 1340, with significant alterations and additions in later centuries. The spire was rebuilt in the 18th century, and further changes occurred around 1790, largely revised in 1880. More recent alterations, dating from around 1993, converted a vestry and the westernmost bay of the south aisle into church rooms.

The church is constructed of limestone ashlar with a plain-tile roof. The plan incorporates a two-stage west tower topped with a broach spire, a five-bay nave with aisles, a south porch, and a three-bay chancel.

The south porch has a timber front and double plank doors set within a four-centred arch. Buttresses are set between the bays of the nave. The south side features four three-light windows with reticulated tracery, along with a two-light window to the west end of the nave. The north aisle windows are renewed 19th-century designs with plain arched lights, and the east end features a similar five-light window. All windows are set within chamfered surrounds. A north porch has a triple-chamfered archway and a plank door in a double-chamfered, pointed four-centred arch. The tower has diagonal buttresses, slit windows on the first stage, a string course, and two-light belfry windows with cusped tracery on the second stage. The chancel has buttresses between bays, and the south side a priest's entrance and several windows with reticulated tracery. The north side has smaller windows including a five-light east window, all with reticulated tracery. The east end is adorned with finials and pinnacles.

Inside, the arcade features four-column clusters with double-chamfered, pointed four-centred arches and a continuous roll-moulded hood. Remains of the original west respond are visible, with four shafts and set-back diagonals. The tower arch, dating from around 1300, is a small, triple-chamfered, pointed four-centred arch. The chancel arch is tall and features chamfered responds. The chancel contains a piscina with a Decorated surround, remnants of sedilia, two Perpendicular corbels for images, and medieval tiles. A font from the 18th century is also present.

Monuments include a large Baroque standing monument commemorating Thomas Archer (died 1685), his mother Anna (died 1685), and his wife Elizabeth (died 1703), possibly created by Thomas Archer's son. A Neo-Classical wall monument is dedicated to Andrew, Lord Archer, Baron of Umberslade (died 1778), and is signed 'J. HICKEY sculpt. Lond.'. The churchyard's listed items form a group.