Church Of St Mary The Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is an early 14th-century stone and flint building located on elevated ground to the north of the village, near Brent Eleigh Hall. It is a notable example of a manorial church, retaining many original features and having avoided 19th-century restoration. The church boasts a fine early 14th-century south door adorned with reticulated blank tracery. Inside, there is a complete set of high box pews, with some dating from the Jacobean period and most from the 18th century. The manorial pew, likely a former chapel, is surrounded by old screens. The east wall of the chancel features a remarkable medieval wall painting of the crucifixion, depicting figures of women, which likely served as the original reredos from around 1300. Additionally, there is a 14th-century wall painting of angels and a 16th-century painting of the harrowing of hell. The font is early 14th century with a 17th-century cover, and the pulpit is from the 17th century. In the chancel, there is a standing wall monument to Edward Colman, who died in 1739, created by the sculptor Thomas Dunn.