St Mary's Church, Medieval parish church in Ashwell, England
St Mary's Church is a medieval parish church built from clunch and flint with a 176-foot tower topped by an octagonal lantern and spire. The building displays the characteristic features of English Gothic architecture with its substantial walls and tall windows.
Construction started in 1301 and finished in 1381, making this one of the largest medieval churches in Hertfordshire at that time. The lengthy building process shows how important this structure was to the local community.
The walls hold messages carved by plague survivors and sketches of the old St Paul's Cathedral, showing how people documented their lives long ago. These marks reveal the connection between this place and London's religious landmarks.
The building hosts regular services, musical performances, and community events throughout the year, including the annual Ashwell Music Festival. Visitors should check local information if they wish to attend specific events or learn more about the building's interior.
Six bells hang in their original 15th-century frame inside the tower, with the oldest one cast in 1694. This mix of bells from different centuries makes it a living record of bell-making craft and practice over time.
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