The original 12th century church suffered years of neglect by absentee vicars, until in 1828 it was described as 'dark comfortless and ill-contrived and quite inadequate in point of size.'
As a result St. Mary's Church was almost entirely rebuilt by Edward Haycock in 1834. Only the lower stages of the original 12th century West tower remain, an crenelated top being added during the rebuilding. His work included a new nave with south and west galleries and a small chancel.
Further improvements were made in 1866-67. The chancel arch was replaced by three Gothic arches and the chancel enlarged by the addition of an apse, organ chamber and vestry. A south porch was also erected. These additions left the external aspect of the east end architecturally rather muddled.
Amongst the new furnishings was an octagonal pulpit in Italianate style with medallions on five sides representing Our Lord and the Four Evangelists, installed in 1879.
Stained glass picturing 'The Agony in the Garden', 'The Crucifixion', and 'The Entombment' was fitted in the three one-light windows of the apse. In 1888 a new organ was installed.
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