St Mary the Virgin, Hanbury

St Mary the Virgin is a church building in Hanbury with a three-stage tower featuring diagonal corner buttresses and pointed-arched panels. The lowest stage of the tower contains an ornate entrance that marks the main access point to the structure.

Construction of this parish church began in 1250, making it one of the older religious buildings in the area. The architect George Edmund Street undertook major restoration work in 1860 that transformed much of the building's appearance.

The church maintains connections to the local Vernon family, whose members appear in various memorials inside, including a monument to Thomas Vernon decorated with symbols of Justice. These family ties remain visible in the decoration and arrangement of the space today.

The building stands on Astwood Lane in Hanbury and is designated as Grade I listed, which means it is protected due to its historical significance. Visitors should know that the church remains an active place of worship with regular community use.

The church serves as the location for the BBC Radio 4 drama series The Archers, where various ceremonial scenes and events are recorded. This connection to the long-running radio program makes it a familiar setting for many listeners across the country.