Church Of St Mary At Hill

The Church of St Mary at Hill is a Grade I listed building constructed between 1670 and 1676 by Sir Christopher Wren. In 1787-88, George Gwilt added the west tower and flanking lobbies, renewing the plaster vault and ceilings at that time. The church has a nearly square body supported by four columns, which hold up a cross barrel vault and a low dome with a lantern. It features round-arched windows, with the central ones being Venetian. The north and south sides are rendered and quite plain, except for an arched doorway on the north side that has an 18th-century fanlight. Both sides are obscured by adjacent buildings at the east end.

The east elevation is made of painted stone and includes a high, double pedestal, a blind Venetian window flanked by single openings, and a central pediment that is broken by a blind lunette. There is a lead-covered, arched rood rising behind, and a large bracketed clock at the south end. Two rainwater heads are dated 1787. The tower and western lobbies are simply constructed from yellow brick and Portland stone, featuring recessed, round-arched windows, a small entablature, and a parapet. The tower is divided into four stages and includes a fanlight above the pedimented doorway, simple window openings, and crowning battlements.

Inside, the church has Corinthian columns and pilasters that support an enriched barrel vault and a coffered saucer dome. It contains box pews and fine late 17th-century fittings, which were altered and added to in 1848-49. These fittings include a reredos, a pulpit with a tester, altar rails, a communion table, a font and cover, an organ case located on a small west gallery, and two sword rests.