Church of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is a parish church dating from the late 12th century, with significant alterations and additions in the late 13th century, early 14th century, 1781, 1856, and the 20th century. It is constructed of stone with a tiled roof. The late Norman nave, dating to around 1180, consists of four bays with aisles. The chancel is of the same period, and the south aisle was widened when the east end was converted into a chant chapel after 1284. A north transept was added in 1305, and a west tower was built in 1781. A south porch from the 18th century and a 19th-century vestry are also present. The nave and wide south aisle have separate roofs; the narrower north aisle has a low-pitched slate roof, and the transept roof ends in a gable. Most of the walls are of polygonal malmstone, with stone and some brick dressings. The windows are largely restored, featuring lancets and coupled cusped lights, including three lancets to the east window and a group of three tall lancets within a hoodmould to the south aisle.

Inside, much original fabric remains, including transitional arches in the nave supported by cylindrical columns with cushion caps. The east and transept windows are original, and there are piscinas in the chancel, south aisle, and transept. The chancel arch was rebuilt in 1856 by William White. There are 18th-century wall monuments and a Royal Coat of Arms dating to 1786. Furniture made from medieval pieces includes stools, a reading desk, and a 15th-century bench. Notable artworks include a Flemish altar piece (a triptych) by Jan Mostaert, dating to around 1510, and a Flemish wood carving (around 1520) depicting the Descent from the Cross. Floor slab tombs are also present. The south aisle features a large three-light window with stained glass from 1920, depicting St Francis and the Birds, as a memorial to Gilbert White (the birds being referenced in his Natural History of Selborne). A plain round font from the 12th century and the south door with original wrought iron strapwork are also present. The tower is plain with a parapet, and the porch has walls of ironstone and malmstone.