HertfordshireWAREStMaryVirgin(christinemattewsCC-BY-SA2.0)1 ChristineMatthews

St Mary the Virgin

St Mary the Virgin in Ware is a witness to hundreds of years of prayer and worship.

Ware, Hertfordshire

Opening times

The building is open every day from 9am, usually until 5.30pm.

Address

High Street
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9EH

There is evidence of there having been a church in Ware for over a thousand years. When the Domesday Book was prepared there was 'a priest' at Ware. The church is mentioned in a charter given by William I to Hugh de Grentmaisnil giving permission to found a cell of the Benedictine Abbey of St. Evroul, Normandy, in Ware and handing over the church to the alien priory. During the 15th century the church was enlarged and beautified by Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond, mother of Henry VII.  The church is regarded as a fine example of 14th and 15th century architecture and contains many items of historic interest.

St Mary's has had a reputation for its fine church music for over a hundred years. The Hill 3 manual organ was built in 1860. It was rebuilt in 1985 and refurbished in 2016.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

Other nearby churches

Christ Church

Ware, Hertfordshire

This Early English style church is built of Kentish Ragstone, with slate roofs.

St Mary

Thundridge, Hertfordshire