St. Mary the Virgin, Great Warley

St. Mary the Virgin is a Grade I listed parish church designed in the Art Nouveau style and completed in the early 1900s. The interior features ornamental metalwork and carved woodwork with natural motifs integrated throughout the walls, furnishings, and religious fixtures.

Construction started in 1902 under the patronage of the Heseltine family and the direction of architect Charles Harrison Townsend, a leading figure in advancing Art Nouveau design in England. The project reflected a broader cultural movement in which designers sought fresh approaches to expressing modern religious buildings.

The church serves as a spiritual focal point where visitors come to experience the exceptional decorative craftsmanship found throughout the interior spaces. People gather here drawn by the artistic vision expressed in every detail of the woodwork and metalwork that surrounds them.

The church is accessible to visitors interested in exploring its decorated interior spaces at a leisurely pace. Plan time to examine the crafted details throughout the building, as the decorative elements reward close inspection from multiple angles and positions.

Sir William Reynolds-Stephens, a renowned artist and designer, crafted specialized metalwork and wooden decorations directly for this space that remain difficult to find elsewhere. His handmade elements transform the church into a gallery where religious function and artistic expression converge.

Location: Great Warley

Location: Brentwood

Inception: 1902

Founders: Evelyn Heseltine

Architects: Charles Harrison Townsend

Architectural style: Art Nouveau

GPS coordinates: 51.58640,0.29205

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42