Church group visit to St Mary The virgin Layer Marney on Monday 13th.
The ancient and beautiful church of St Mary the Virgin stands on the site of an earlier medieval church and is next door to the famous historic house of Layer Marney Tower. The church was rebuilt by Henry, 1st Lord Marney and John 2nd Lord Marney at the beginning of the 16th century, but was unfinished on the death of the 2nd and last Lord Marney in 1525. Their wills made provision for the church to be finished.
The church is built of Tudor brick (reputed to have been made locally) with patterning (called diapering) in blue brick. This is especially noticeable in the tower, which also has stone dressed buttresses, and the overall effect is very harmonious. The plan of the church is unusual in that it has two south porches; one giving entrance to the chancel.
Restorations were carried out in 1870 and 1911, the latter under the direction of Fredrick Chancellor who had worked extensively on Churches around the county. A record drawing exists showing the extent of the works.
The church is in the Perpendicular style. It is listed Grade 1.
We were given a comprehensive tour and treated to coffee and cream cake.
The next visit is on Monday May 11th to St Mary's Kelvedon and All Saints Feering