St Mary the Virgin, Tarrant Crawford

St Mary the Virgin is a stone church with a 12th-century flint chancel and a 14th-century nave that form the main structure. The tower holds three bells from different periods, creating a composition that spans several centuries of construction.

The church was founded in 1101 and remains the last standing structure from the former Cistercian Tarrant Abbey complex. Between 2003 and 2007 it underwent major restoration work that returned it to current condition.

The interior walls display medieval wall paintings showing religious figures like Saint Margaret and scenes of the Annunciation. These paintings give visitors a sense of the religious art that once decorated places of worship.

The building is maintained by the Churches Conservation Trust and holds Grade I listing status, meaning it receives protected heritage care. Visitors should expect narrow entrances and uneven interior floors typical of medieval churches.

The church contains several 13th-century stone coffin lids that were moved from the nearby monastery, linked to notable historical figures. These relics offer visitors a direct connection to people of significance beyond the local area.

Location: Tarrant Crawford

Inception: 12 century

GPS coordinates: 50.83072,-2.11073

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:42