St Mary the Virgin

The church can be found at the end of a leafy lane appropriately called Church Walk on the east end of the village. On a visit to the church that has stood for centuries it is not difficult to be captured by its antiquity and beauty.

The current church dates back to the middle of the 13th century but the font, of ‘Aylesbury’ style, is early 12th century as are the fragments of decorated stone that are now located in the south wall of the chancel. It is therefore probable that an earlier church existed on the same site. An archaeological dig, in 1985, at the motte and bailey that can be seen in the grounds of the nearby manor house, has also shown evidence of an even earlier church. The church on its present site would have been much smaller than it is today and probably only included the chancel area and a small nave.

During the 14th century the north aisle was added, the south aisle lengthened and the chancel was rebuilt and widened. In the 15th century the tower was built and the clerestory was added to the nave. A clerestory refers to the upper level of a church or cathedral and is a high wall with a band of narrow windows. An inventory of Weston Turville church in 1547 stated that the church had 5 bells but only one of the six bells now in the tower bears a date prior to 1547.

The church underwent a major restoration in 1860 as the church was in a very dilapidated state. Unfortunately much of the earlier splendour was removed or covered up by the Victorians. The 15th century glass in the east window with the picture of Our Lady and Child was moved to its present prominent position after being discovered hidden high up in a clerestory window. When the nave floor was repaired, some pieces of ancient stone coffins were discovered. The coffin engraved with a Maltese cross at its head probably dates from 1100 and was for a person of considerable distinction.

For centuries men and women have worshipped and celebrated here and we continue to build on that rich heritage.