St Mary

The church mentioned in the Domesday Book was not the first here: its predecessor was an 8th century Benedictine monastery.

The sturdy tower is 12th century but its massive buttresses were added after an earthquake in 1298.

Most of the present building dates from the 14th and 15th centuries, with many additions funded by medieval and later merchants in wool, leather and corn, who helped make Hitchin a busy and prosperous place.

These features include the elegant Perpendicular porch and windows, the exquisite carved screen, the font and its cover, and the many chantry chapels and monuments.

Allow plenty of time to explore this varied and absorbing church, and don't forget to look up at the angels and many other beautiful and sometimes intriguing roof carvings.