St Mary's Church, Sandwich, Norman church in Sandwich, England
St Mary's Church is a Grade I listed building in Sandwich that displays Norman architectural features with flint and stone walls, a wide nave, chancel, and north aisles. The structure shows multiple levels and sections that reflect medieval construction methods.
The building was constructed around 1150 on the site of an earlier convent that dated to 664, and it faced French attacks in 1217 and 1457. An earthquake in 1578 damaged the structure and prompted significant renovations and changes afterward.
Inside, visitors find an octagonal baptismal font dating to 1662 and an 18th-century polygonal pulpit that show fine craftsmanship from earlier times. Stained glass windows by Ward & Hughes add to the quiet, reflective feeling of the interior.
The building now operates as an arts centre hosting weddings, concerts, and exhibitions with modern amenities such as heating and stage lighting. The venue provides accessible facilities for visitors with mobility needs and infrastructure to support different types of events.
The south porch operates as a tower structure and contains a belfry that was added in 1714 during extensive modifications. This addition transformed how the building looks and shows how the structure adapted to different needs across the centuries.
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