Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stansted

Could a church’s bells ring anti-clockwise? Here at the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stansted, they do, just one of the intriguing quirks of this historic gem. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s a time capsule, nestled within the grounds of Stansted Hall, about a mile southeast of Stansted Mountfitchet village. Built between 1120 and 1124 by William Mountfitchet, the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin whispers tales of Norman England. See the Norman style chancel arch? It’s adorned with zigzag and ball flower carvings, a testament to the craftsmanship of the era. The north and south doorways echo this style, boasting three orders of columns with scalloped capitals and saltire decoration. Look closer at the tympanum above each doorway, its diapering a delicate touch of ancient artistry. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin has seen centuries unfold. In the 13th century, the chancel stretched eastward, a chapel added to its north side. Much later, in 1692, the brick tower rose, now home to those unusual anti-clockwise bells. In 1888, Francis T. Dollman breathed new life into the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, rebuilding the nave and aisle. Inside, the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin holds more treasures. A 13th-century font stands proudly, its ogee-shaped cover a 17th-century addition. The 18th-century communion rail invites contemplation. Monuments whisper of lives lived. A stone effigy of a knight, legs crossed, is believed to commemorate Roger de Lancaster, who died in 1310. Grander still are the 17th-century monuments to Sir Thomas Middleton, a recumbent figure beneath a coffered arch, and Hester Middleton, his wife or daughter, who died in 1614. Even the churchyard of the Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin holds stories. It offers peaceful rest to those who served in World Wars I and II. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin may be redundant, replaced by St John the Evangelist closer to the village. Yet it remains a consecrated space, hosting occasional services and events. Its eight bells, cast by various founders, continue their anti-clockwise dance, a unique sound in the Essex countryside. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin, Stansted, stands as a testament to enduring faith and architectural heritage.