Hidden amongst the houses of Perivale stands St Mary with St Nicholas. This isn’t just any church. It boasts a history stretching back 800 years or more. Imagine a time long before Western Avenue. Perivale was a tiny hamlet. Just five farms and a few buildings. St Mary’s served this small community for centuries. Its dedication to St Mary the Virgin was even forgotten until 1951.
The church itself is a marvel. Built from ragstone and flint its tower is unique. It’s clad in white weatherboarding. Inside you’ll find intriguing features. The Myllet brass a testament to times past. There’s the ‘Leper window’ and the ‘Weeping Chancel’. These names alone hint at tales untold. The Victorian altar stands proudly. Stained glass windows cast beautiful colors. War memorials honor those who served. Three bells ring out from the tower. These were cast in 1949 a memorial to those lost in World War II. The church is Grade I listed its historical significance undeniable.
But St Mary’s story isn’t just about the building itself. It’s about the people. The Lords of the Manor of Perivale. The Myllets the Lanes and the Harrisons left their mark. Their monuments adorn the chancel. Then there are the rectors. Rev Shurey from 1783 to 1789. Rev JF Lateward for almost 50 years. John Farthing a resident from 1845 to 1861 left behind fascinating memoirs. The churchyard holds secrets too. Memorials reach back to 1683. The Maiden’s Tomb stands as a silent witness to history. The stories of Admirals Carter and Collinson and other notable figures are etched in stone.
The arrival of Western Avenue around 1930 changed everything. Perivale exploded in population. By 1950 10000 people lived there. A new church St Nicholas was built in 1965 to serve this growing community. St Mary’s though it had once served a tiny rural community was now too small. It closed its doors in 1972.
But the story doesn’t end there. St Mary’s was rescued. A charitable trust the Friends of St Mary’s Perivale revitalized it. Today it thrives as a flourishing arts center. Classical concerts exhibitions and other events fill its hallowed halls. It continues to serve the community of Ealing and beyond. This small medieval church has a big story. A story of faith perseverance and adaptation. A story that continues to unfold within these ancient walls.