England
Bedfordshire

St. Mary, Felmersham

St. Mary's is a fine example of Early English church architecture, built in a grand style that seems at odds with the location in this small village. The location was granted to Lenton Priory (Nottinghamshire) in the 12th century, and the church was probably begun around 1220.

The church is remarkable for the lack of later additions to the 13th century work. Victorian restorations added a clerestory and windows, and raised the tower, but much of the Early English structure is unaltered.

The west front is the glory of Felmersham; it rises in three distinct layers marked with a glut of delicate vertical shafts. The portal is cut deep within layers of ornate arching.

The interior is marked by the crossing, with finely carved and moulded piers. The nave is light and airy, due to the large clerestory windows, in contrast to the unlit 13th century chancel.

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