St Marys Church
A chapel was sited in Marshchapel in 1387 with the present church dating from the early 15th century. The church is always open for visitors and is known as ‘the Cathedral of the Marshes’.
St Marys Church
St Mary’s church is located south of the village along Church Lane. It is a well cared for church and as well as being one of centres of worship for the village it is also used for village events including the very popular Marshchapel Art Exhibitions and various concerts held throughout the year.
All are welcome to our services as detailed below and we also hold weddings and christenings. Please use our contact page for more information on these.
The church has amenities including a small kitchen area and toilets and is open every day for visitors to enjoy.
Services
Sunday Service – St Marys Church
1st & 3rd Sundays of the Month
1st Sunday at 10:00, 3rd Sunday at 09:30. All welcome to join us at St Marys with tea and coffee served after the service.
Sunday Service – Methodist Chapel
2nd & 4th Sundays of the Month
Both Sundays at 10:00. All welcome to join us at the Methodist Chapel with tea and coffee served after the service.
History
The church dates from the early 15th C and was probably completed around 1420. It replaced a earlier small chapel that was mentioned in 1387. It is built of Ancaster stone and unusual as unlike most other churches that gradually developed and expanded St Mary’s was built in its entirety at the same time.
In the 19th century some rebuilding of the chancel took place as well as new pews with some fine carvings. The church interior with its fine wood carvings (134 pew poppyheads all different), rood screen, font and the large west window make this an impressive church.
The well kept churchyard has a trail (see downloadable PDF below) and is a haven for wildlife and plants. The exterior of the church has mass dials scratched into the south side as well as many fine carvings which would have been based on local people by the stonemasons when it was built. You can read more in the PDF leaflet below.
Video from Dec 2023 showing removal of the bells and bell frame for renovation. Due to return in June 2024 with an extra 3 bells making a total of 6.
Village Hall
The hall was built on the current site in 1946. It hosts many events throughout the week and on a monthly basis. Available for hire throughout the year.
St Mary’s Church
The church of St Mary’s is known locally as ‘The Cathedral of the Marshes’. The church has monthly services and is open during daylight hours for visitors.
The Chapel
The Chapel is well supported by the village and holds events as well as a weekly ‘pop-in’ lunch. There are also numerous other groups who use the facilities.
Marshchapel Arts
Marshchapel Arts host various music concerts and art exhibitions at St Mary’s church which are always well supported by the community and beyond.