History
The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, standing in a prominent position on the higher ground to the north of the village, has been the centre of the Christian community in Titchmarsh for some 800 years. The Church is remarkable for its magnificent tower, its long and lofty clerestory, its spacious Chancel, and for its light and uncluttered interior. It also houses a collection of unique and interesting wall monuments.
The building that you see today is not the first Church to have existed on this site. The remains of a C12th doorway in the chancel are the only relic of the Norman building, and the subsequent centuries have each made their distinctive architectural contribution. The building assumed its present appearance when, late in the C15th, the tower, clerestory and porch were added, and the present perpendicular style windows were inserted. In the late 17th and early 18th century the Pickering family contributed a number of important memorials, including one to John Dryden the Poet Laureate. In the 19th century a number of the windows had stained glass inserted and a vestry was added in the northwest corner, and much of the current woodwork including the pews were added.
Work in the 20th century has principally been one of renovation, and has very much continued into the 21st century with projects in hand for the repair of the chancel roof, the reordering of the interior furniture and refurbishment of the organ.
The building is not a museum, but the living home of the Christian Family in the village. Unlike a museum, it is always open. Unlike a castle, we cannot charge you to come in, nor would we wish to. But the building is over six hundred years old and, like all old buildings, it is difficult to maintain and requires frequent expert assistance to keep it in good repair
Visitors to this web site are able to view the church and learn of its treasures without needing to buy the guidebook, funds which the Church family, and the friends of the Church in this small village are in part dependant upon. A small donation addressed to the Church of St Mary, High Street, Titchmarsh, Northants, NN14 3DB would be welcome recognition of the efforts made in putting this guide together for you.
We hope that these notes will help you to understand the building and to enjoy your visit.
Click here to go to the floor plan and guide of the church.
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