St Mary's Church, Hitchin, Medieval parish church in Hitchin, England
St Mary's Church is a medieval parish church in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, built from stone with original timber roof structures still in place. Inside, a 15th-century carved limestone baptismal font depicting the Twelve Apostles stands as one of the main features, while a sundial dated 1660 marks the exterior wall.
The site goes back to 792, when King Offa of Mercia founded a Benedictine monastery that was badly damaged by fire in 910. Most of what stands today was built or rebuilt between the 13th and 15th centuries.
The Angel Screen shows carved angels holding shields and sacred symbols, donated by parishioners John and Alice Poulter. It draws the eye as soon as you step into the nave and remains the most talked-about feature of the interior.
The church is generally open from early morning until dusk, with shorter hours in winter, so it is worth checking times before you arrive. The building can occasionally close for services or events, and a short walk from the town center brings you to the entrance.
Three medieval stone effigies in the north aisle portray local nobles from the 13th and 14th centuries, including a member of the Balliol family, who went on to found Balliol College in Oxford. Most visitors walk past without realizing the connection between this quiet corner of the church and one of England's oldest university colleges.
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