St Mary's Church, Chastleton

St Mary's Church is a Norman building in Chastleton, constructed around 1100 and featuring rounded arches and thick pillars that show medieval building methods. The interior contains a Jacobean pulpit from 1623 and Victorian-era seating, with a bell tower added in 1689 that holds six bells.

The church was built around 1100 and expanded in 1320, with its original Norman structure largely preserved through the centuries. The bell tower was added in 1689, marking a later period of architectural development for the building.

Religious paintings cover the north wall, dating from the 17th and 18th centuries and uncovered during restoration in the 1930s. These artworks show how the church was decorated during different periods of worship and artistic practice.

The church welcomes visitors during service times and is normally open for viewing the interior and its furnishings. The surrounding churchyard provides a peaceful space to walk around and see the building from different angles.

The bell tower contains six bells, with the oldest cast in 1696, offering a rare example of how the sound of worship has carried through centuries. The churchyard also holds the tomb of sculptor Sir Richard Westmacott, a major Victorian-era artist whose works appear across Britain.

Location: Chastleton

Inception: 14 century

Architectural style: Norman architecture

Website: http://stmaryscnorton.com/around-the-benefice.php

GPS coordinates: 51.95955,-1.63958

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:03