Church of St Mary Magdalene, Medieval parish church in Great Burstead, England
The Church of St Mary Magdalene is a medieval parish church in Great Burstead, built of stone with a distinctive three-stage west tower made of ragstone and limestone dressing. The tower is crowned by a castellated parapet and topped with a shingle spire that rises above the surrounding roofline.
The present stone structure was built in the 12th century, replacing an earlier wooden church that stood on this site during the Saxon period in the 7th century. This transition from wood to stone reflects the growth and increasing importance of the parish over the medieval centuries.
The church serves the community as a place for both traditional and contemporary worship, drawing people together for regular services throughout the year. Visitors can observe how local faith practices shape the rhythm of life in this small parish.
The church is open daily from morning until dusk, allowing visitors to explore the building and grounds at their own pace. The setting is easily walkable, and you can wander around the exterior to view the tower and examine the grounds from different angles.
An yew tree more than 800 years old stands at the rear of the grounds and is among the oldest specimens of its kind in the region. This ancient tree has endured for centuries and serves as a living link to the deep past of this parish.
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