St Mary's Church, Wivenhoe
Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9BD
The church is first mentioned in 1254. At least part of the medieval church survives today, including the tower built around 1500. Following a fire in 1850, the church was extensively rebuilt by a local architect E. C. Hakewill (1816-72). Shortly afterwards, it was damaged in the Colchester Earthquake, which occurred on 22 April 1884.
Inside, there are memorial brasses to William, Viscount Beaumont (died 1507) and his second wife, Elizabeth Scroope (died 1537), who subsequently became the wife of the 13th Earl of Oxford. William Beaumont's mental health was affected by his imprisonment during the Wars of the Roses, and he lived quietly at Wivenhoe Manor House with Elizabeth for several years. A third brass commemorates Elizabeth's chaplain, Thomas Westeley (died 1535). There are a number of other memorials in the church dating to the 19th and 20th centuries. Jane Bellairs (died 1815) is remembered with great affection by her husband. An unusual memorial is to John H Goodwin (died 1900), who died in South Africa during the Second Boer War whilst serving with the St John's Ambulance. The east windows in the chancel and north chancel aisle have stained glass by William Warrington (1796-1869) who also worked at Ely and Norwich cathedrals.
The meeting room in the extension has a modern stained-glass window by local artist James Dodds, who is well-known for his paintings and prints inspired by boats and boat-building.
Coffee, tea and cake will be available in the meeting room.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1230-1600
- Sunday 21 September:
- 1230-1600
Location & directions
Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, High Street, Wivenhoe, Colchester, Essex, CO7 9BD
- Directions:
- The 'What Three Words' location is ///scorch.willing.unscathed
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Additional information
Also open over the weekend of 13-14 September are The Nottage Maritime Institute and Wivenhoe Chapel Museum which are nearby in Wivenhoe. In addition, a visit can be combined with the opening of the Special Collections at Essex University Library on 13 September from 1400 to 1700.
