St. Mary's Church, Clifton, Medieval church in Clifton, United Kingdom
St. Mary's Church in Clifton is a stone building with a tall embattled central tower, transepts, nave divided by four supporting arches, aisles, and a clock housing six bells added in 1992. The interior underwent renovation between 1975 and 1979, creating a sanctuary beneath the tower and a separate chapel space defined by an exposed chancel arch.
The church first appears in records in 1086 with a priest already serving there, indicating an established place of worship. Major construction phases from the 12th to 14th centuries created the building's current form and reflect its growing importance in the community.
The church holds monuments from the Clifton family, displaying alabaster sculptures of knights and burial chests that reflect how the local gentry commemorated their dead. These carved figures remain visible today as records of their status and devotion.
The building sits in a visible location with its tower serving as an easy landmark for orientation. Comfortable footwear is useful when exploring the interior, which features different floor levels and varied architectural details throughout.
A stone slab in the south transept marks where Joseph, the Black Prince, a family servant, was buried following his death in 1685. This modest memorial tells an unexpected story of belonging at a site otherwise filled with monuments to the nobility.
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