The Church Of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is a parish church located on Wivenhoe High Street. It features a west tower with three stages, characterized by flush-work chequers on the plinth and a modern embattled parapet. The second stage has plain rectangular lights on the north, west, and south sides. The bell stage includes two-light cinquefoiled windows on each face, which are modern. The church's walls are constructed of mixed rubble, incorporating some Roman brick and dressings of Reigate stone and limestone. The north arcade, north aisle, and south arcade date back to the mid 14th century. The church underwent extensive restoration in 1859 and again in 1884 following an earthquake. The chancel and the north and south chapels, as well as the north and south porches, are modern additions. The roof of the north aisle is clad in slate, while the roofs of the other sections are covered with modern red tiles. Inside, there is a chest in the vestry featuring arabesque ironwork, and the font has an octagonal bowl with traceried panels, a modern stem and base, while the bowl itself is from the 15th century.