St Mary's Church, Brentingby, Medieval church in Brentingby, England
St Mary's Church in Brentingby is a Gothic structure with a four-stage limestone tower featuring ogee-headed lancet windows on its sides. The tower keeps its original saddleback roof topped with an octagonal spirelet, while the nave and chancel were shortened during 17th-century modifications.
The building dates to 1301 and underwent major renovation around the middle of the 17th century, when the chancel was shortened and nave windows were rebuilt. These changes reflected both construction techniques of that era and shifts in how worship spaces were used.
The building shows how rural communities in England adapted their religious spaces over centuries as needs changed. Its conversion from church to home reflects shifting priorities in village life and land use patterns.
The site is now a private residence, but the tower is protected by the Churches Conservation Trust and actively maintained. You can view the exterior from outside, though access inside the building is not available to visitors.
The tower preserves a rare original saddleback roof topped with an octagonal spirelet, an architectural detail that sets it apart from most other church towers in the area. This roof style was typical of older buildings and was gradually replaced by different designs over time.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
