St Mary’s Church, Chepstow — Attraction in Chepstow

During a recent visit to Chepstow I made sure that I visited this ancient priory church.

As someone who hails originally from South Africa, seeing buildings that are 800+ years old still blows my mind. South Africa, like the United States is a 'new country' in comparison with the UK and the oldest modern building there is from the mid 1600s.

The Priory Church of St Mary in Chepstow is not just a church; it's a journey through time, wrapped in stone and mystery. Imagine walking through the doors and stepping back into the 1070s, because that's when this magnificent Norman beauty was founded. It's like time travel without the pesky paradoxes!

Now, let's not forget the VIPs resting here. We're talking about some serious medieval celebrities. The most notable burial is probably that of Henry Marten, a regicide who signed King Charles I's death warrant. Talk about historical drama! He ended up here after a rather extended stay in Chepstow Castle's less-than-luxurious accommodations (aka prison).

So, if you're wandering around Chepstow and fancy a brush with history, the Priory Church of St Mary is your go-to spot. It's not just a church; it's a historical treasure trove where every corner tells a story. Just don't forget to leave a respectful review; after all, it's not every day you get to mingle with the...

An amazing 11th century Norman Priory with original Romanesque doorway and nave. The church is open every day and contains the tombs of the Earl of Worcester and his wife Elizabeth, who was lady in waiting to Anne Boleyn. Inside the great west door is the tomb of Henry Marten, close friend of Oliver Cromwell, and signatory to the death warrant of Charles 1st. There is a Jacobean tomb of Margaret Cleyton, notable Chepstow resident, and her two husbands and children, and brightly painted images of death and Father Time. There is a painting of the SS Clyde at the Gallipoli landings 100 years ago in 1915, a memorial to Able Seaman William Charles Williams VC who died holding landing craft together while under heavy fire. Amongst the Victorian restored chancel and crossing are artefacts from the great Norman central tower which collapsed in 1701. The Georgian tower at the west end has a peal of ten bells, some of which were cast in the old Chepstow bell foundry. The Sunday services are at 8.00.am and 10.00.am. with a monthly Taize service at 6.30.pm. on the second Sunday. The church was originally part of the great Benedictine Priory of Striguil and is now the Parish Church of Chepstow in the Diocese of Monmouth and in the Anglican Province of the...

These churches, although architectural and artistic masterpieces, are all starting to look a bit 'samey'. I'm wondering if there existed an eleventh century Daniel Libeskind, someone who produced something extraordinary to stand out from the crowd. I've tried modern churches but they lack the craftspersonship of ye olde ones. So, here we go again. Stained glass pulpits, marble windows, altars cast in...