NorthamptonshireWELLINGBOROUGHStMaryVirgin(frjamesbradleyCC-BY-2.0)1 FrJamesBradley

St Mary the Virgin

A thrilling experience: Sir Ninian Comper’s masterpiece built between 1908 and 1930 is a free essay in the gothic style fearlessly mixed with classical appropriations.

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Oriau agor

The church is not usually kept open, so in order to avoid disappointment please contact us before your visit.

Church Guide : Jackie Cartwright 01933 226197
Honorary Assistant Priest : Fr Alan Cole 01933 274650 or coles92012@gmail.com
Churchwarden : Carol Haybyrne 07759 591673 or carol.haybyrne@talk21.com

Keys are also usually available at 30 St Mary's Paddock, or from the Vicarage at 193 Midland Road.

Cyfeiriad

Knox Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 1HJ

Externally the massive ironstone tower which can be seen for miles around provides the vertical thrust against the horizontal of the long nave / chancel.

The latter has little to differentiate the spaces externally but it is punctuated with two very different treatments of smaller towers, one with an open arcade the other a needle sharp spire.

Internally the clarity of the structure, filled with light is suborned by fantastical decoration especially in the chancel area, and in the vaulted ceiling with its plaster pendants (some gilded and painted blue which was intended throughout).

In the east end you encounter a gilded rood screen, an exotic organ case, and gilded baldacchino and alter frontal.

All is designed by Comper with little else beside. His masterpiece: a counterblast to the modern movement if ever there was one.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Famous connections

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

Contact information

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