Church Of St Mary

The Church of St Mary is a Grade I listed building dating back to the 12th century. Originally, it was a very large structure featuring a nave, double aisles, transepts, and a chancel, along with two west towers and a central tower. However, much of the church was destroyed during the siege of the castle in the 17th century, leaving the chancel and west towers in ruins, except for their lower stages. The church underwent rebuilding and restoration in the late 17th century and again in the mid-19th century.

Today, the church consists of a nave with aisles and a series of stone-vaulted side chapels on the south side, along with a square tower at the east end, which replaced the former central tower. The interior walls are nearly covered with late 18th and early 19th-century wall monuments, many of which are well-designed, including one by Roubiliac dedicated to Elizabeth Craven. Additionally, numerous brass plates that were removed from stone tombs in the churchyard are now affixed to the walls.

The churchyard is notably large and filled with tombs, primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries, including the grave of Anne Bronte located near the east end. The church is situated high above the Old Fishing Port and is somewhat isolated due to the gardens on the south side of the churchyard, creating an impressive effect. The open character of the surrounding area is considered worthy of preservation.