Church Of St Mary The Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is an old parish church located about a mile from the town, within part of the former park of Stansted Hall. It was constructed by William Mountfitchet between 1120 and 1124 and retains several original Norman features, along with elements from the 13th and 14th centuries. In 1888, the church underwent extensive restoration by Francis T. Dollman, during which the nave and aisle were rebuilt.

The building is made of flint and stone, with a red brick embattled west tower dating from 1692, topped by a small spire. The chancel arch, dating from the 12th century, features zig-zag and bell-flower ornamentation. Both the south and north doors are also from the 12th century, with the north door being reset. The south door showcases three orders of columns with scalloped capitals, saltire cross ornamentation, and a tympanum with diaper ornamentation, while the north door has a similar design.

The chancel, dating from the 13th century, includes tall blank arcades at the windows. The font is from the early 13th century, and its ogee cover is from the 17th century. The communion rail is from the 18th century. The church houses several notable monuments, including a stone effigy of a knight in armor, believed to be Roger de Lancaster from 1310. Additionally, there is an elaborate monument to Sir Thomas Middleton, featuring a recumbent figure on a sarcophagus within a coffered semi-circular arch, flanked by paired Corinthian black marble columns, and an altar tomb for Hester, wife of Sir Thomas Middleton, who died in 1614, also with a recumbent figure on an alabaster sarcophagus. The church is recognized for its historical significance and internal features.