Church Of St Mary The Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a Grade II* listed building located in Arkesden Church Green. This church features flint rubble construction, with a nave and chancel dating from the 13th century, although it underwent significant restoration in 1855. The restoration included the west tower, roofs, clerestorey, and chancel arch. During the rebuilding of the 15th-century west tower in 1855, the remains of an earlier Norman round tower were discovered.

The nave arcades from the 13th century consist of circular piers in the north arcade and octagonal piers in the south arcade. The chancel is adorned with two pairs of lancet windows on the north and south walls, while the south porch dates back to the 15th century. Inside the church, there are notable monuments, including a 15th-century effigy of a priest with a recumbent figure divided by two arches in the north wall of the chancel, an elaborate 15th-century canopied wall monument to Richard Cutte (who died in 1592) and his wife, featuring recumbent figures in the south aisle, and a 17th-century marble wall monument in the west tower, decorated with skulls and branches, which includes busts of John Withers (who died in 1692) and his wife. This monument was once thought to be by Roubilliac but has recently been attributed to Edward Pierce by Nickolaus Pevsner. Additionally, there is a military brass commemorating Richard Fox from 1439. The church is situated on elevated ground above the village, making it a prominent feature in the landscape. It is recognized for its architectural, historical, and topographical significance.