St. Mary's Church, Carisbrooke

St. Mary's Church in Carisbrooke is a medieval building featuring a five-stage west tower with a high stair turret and substantial buttresses. The structure displays characteristic medieval architecture with visible reinforcements that extend from the tower into the main worship space.

The building originates from the Norman period and underwent major reconstruction in the 16th century when its original chancel was demolished and rebuilt. This transformation reflects how the church adapted to changing needs over centuries.

The church holds the burial monument of Margaret Seymour, Lady Wadham, aunt of Queen Jane Seymour, connecting this place to Tudor family history. Visitors walking through the interior can encounter this memorial and sense the local ties to England's royal past.

The building is open to visitors during regular hours for quiet exploration of the interior space. Regular religious services are held, so it is worth checking opening times before visiting.

The bell tower houses ten bells, with eight cast in the 1920s and later expanded with additional bells by a renowned English foundry. This expansion of the bell installation reflects the ongoing importance of the place across the centuries.