St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is a parish church of Norman origin in Chepstow, constructed from local yellow sandstone with a long vaulted nave and an ornate western entrance doorway dating from the 11th century. The building dominates the town's skyline and contains multiple layers of architectural detail from different periods.

The church was founded in 1072 by William FitzOsbern as a Benedictine priory and served as a center of religious life in the region. Most priory buildings were demolished during the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1536, though the church structure itself survived and continues as a place of worship today.

The church has served as the spiritual center of Chepstow for centuries and shapes the town's character with its distinctive tower. Visitors can observe how the building reflects different periods of local life through its layout and preserved details.

The church is easily reached on foot from the town center and the interior is open for visitors who wish to explore the architecture and monuments. Weekday visits offer a quieter experience for those wanting to spend time observing the building's details without crowds.

The churchyard participates in a rewilding project that maintains areas of wildflowers and brambles to support local wildlife. This combination of historical importance and modern conservation efforts makes the site a notable example of how places of worship can support nature today.

Location: Chepstow

Inception: 11 century

Elevation above the sea: 18 m

Website: https://chepstowparish.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.64260,-2.67203

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:22