Church Of St Mary The Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is a parish church located on High Street, with its north tower dating back to around 1280 and featuring a spire added around 1315. The spire was repaired in 1808 and 1850, and in 1495-6, it was partially rebuilt and had its pinnacles restored by Sir T G Jackson, primarily using Clipsham stone. Most of the statues were renewed by Sir George Frampton. The Congregation House, which includes a library on the upper storey, was built around 1320, and the north chapel, located to the west of the tower, was constructed around 1328. The chancel was rebuilt in 1463, and the nave and aisles were rebuilt around 1490. A choir vestry was added in the late 16th century, and the south porch, designed by Nicholas Stone with John Jackson as the mason, was completed in 1637 and repaired in 1865. There is also a vestry from the 17th century. The church underwent restoration by Scott in 1861, which included refacing, while the exterior of the south aisle was patched with synthetic stone in 1939. Notable interior features include stall work, sedilia, and numerous monuments. The church holds historic significance due to its connections with the Oxford Movement, having been the parish of J H Newman from 1828 until his retirement in 1843. It was also the site of Thomas Cranmer's trial and recantation in 1555. The listed buildings on the north side of the street form a group.