St Mary De Haura Church

This magnificent church was founded by the Normans in c. 1103 and so celebrated its 900th anniversary in 2003. It was built on a grand scale for a parish church, with a six-bay nave, five-bay choir, transepts and central tower, but the nave subsequently collapsed or was taken down, apart from the easternmost bay, which now forms the entrance to the church. Fortunately, the finest architecture survived, and the present church is still very impressive.

The lower stage of the tower and, inside, the 'crossing' and the transepts, are excellent examples of late Norman architecture, while the superb choir and upper stage of the tower, which date from towards the end of the twelfth century, are 'Transitional' between Norman and Gothic in style. As an example of this phase of the development of English architecture the Choir, with its arcade, triforium, clerestory, vaulted ceiling and flying buttresses, has been described as 'unsurpassed in the country'. Remarkably, the style varies between the north and south sides of the choir, displaying two phases of 'Transitional' architecture in a single building. There is much fine carving throughout.

St. Mary's is open all the year round between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, but there are gates at the entrance to the Choir from the 'crossing' under the tower which are usually locked This arrangement allows a good general view of the church's interior, but for those wanting to make a more detailed study of the architectural features it is often necessary to arrange for someone to be in attendance and open the gates (please telephone 01273-452109 in advance of your visit). During the summer months stewards are usually on duty for at least two hours in the middle of the day on weekdays.