Church of St Mary the Virgin

St. Mary the Virgin is a parish church in this historic market town, built of stone and organized into seven bays spanning a nave, chancel, and side aisles. The structure features a sloped slate roof with Cotswold stone work and a crenellated edge, with a tall tower rising prominently from one end.

The building opened in 1781, designed by architect Francis Hiorne, but occupied a site with religious structures dating back to the Saxon period in the 7th century. The replacement of an older church with this new design marked a shift from medieval to modern building practices on the same location.

The church reflects how worshippers have gathered here across centuries, with its interior layout and decoration shaped by different periods. The arrangement of seating and stained glass reveals the evolving tastes of the community that used this building.

The church is open during regular services and you can visit the churchyard and exterior at other times. Due to its multiple levels and narrow passageways, some interior areas may be difficult to navigate for those with limited mobility.

The bells in the tower were cast in 1722 by Rudhall of Gloucester, a local foundry, and there are eight of them in total. A pair of large chandeliers from 1781 hangs above the nave and dates from when the building was first constructed.

Location: Tetbury

Inception: 1781

Website: https://tetburychurch.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 51.63530,-2.15972

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:42