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St Mary's
The beautiful ancient church of St Mary's, which dates back to the 13th century, is a wonderful setting for wedding ceremonies. It is only a short walk from the main entrance of the church to the sweeping driveway of Belchamp Hall leading to the main house. The Raymond family
monument, designed and On the exterior North
wall of the Church is the following Epitaph to a former Sexton:
The timbered Porch and massive South door with its original lock and key are of the same period as the Nave early 14th Century. The church is surrounded by a well maintained grassy graveyard, filled with Yew trees, and gravestones that date back to the 1600's. to the Hall itself. The image on the right is a summertime view of Belchamp Hall from the top of the church tower. |
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built by Robert Taylor for John Raymond in
1720 is on the North Wall. Beneath the floor is the later of the two
family vaults. On the North wall can be seen mural paintings of unusual
interest, particularly that of the Madonna to whom the church is
dedicated. The Quadrangular Pulpit, adorned with paintings by Brownlow
of the four Evangelists is a feature of the Church. The flint work
battlemented tower is of the 15th Century, in it are hung a fine peal of
eight bells, which are now adapted for chiming. The tower also contains
an ancient clock which is in good working order. Clock experts think
that it dates from 1730.
