NorthamptonshireWELLINGBOROUGHStMaryVirgin(frjamesbradleyCC-BY-2.0)1 FrJamesBradley

St Mary the Virgin

A thrilling experience: Sir Ninian Comper’s masterpiece built between 1908 and 1930 is a free essay in the gothic style fearlessly mixed with classical appropriations.

Wellingborough, Northamptonshire

Opening times

The church is not usually open outside of daily service times so in order to avoid disappointment please contact us before your visit.
Contact us by email or by telephone: Bryan Howlett on 07917 726751, or Jackie Cartwright on 01933 226197.
Keys are also usually available at 29 or 30 St Mary's Paddock or from the Vicarage at 193 Midland Road.

Address

Knox Road
Wellingborough
Northamptonshire
NN8 1HJ

Externally the massive ironstone tower which can be seen for miles around provides the vertical thrust against the horizontal of the long nave / chancel.

The latter has little to differentiate the spaces externally but it is punctuated with two very different treatments of smaller towers, one with an open arcade the other a needle sharp spire.

Internally the clarity of the structure, filled with light is suborned by fantastical decoration especially in the chancel area, and in the vaulted ceiling with its plaster pendants (some gilded and painted blue which was intended throughout).

In the east end you encounter a gilded rood screen, an exotic organ case, and gilded baldacchino and alter frontal.

All is designed by Comper with little else beside. His masterpiece: a counterblast to the modern movement if ever there was one.

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Famous connections

  • 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

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