EssexWENDENSAMBOStMaryVirgin(johnsuttonCC-BY-SA2.0)1 JohnSutton

St Mary the Virgin

The combination of church and cottages here is rural England at its most appealing.

Wendens Ambo, Essex

Opening times

Church open daily.

Address

Church Path
Wendens Ambo
Essex
CB11 4JZ

This is a beautiful church, with flint walls and a collection of roofs at different angles, best seen from the southeast. The church, which dates to the 11th century and which was built on the site of an even earlier church, has been added to and renewed many times over the centuries, with features including a southern arcade from the 13th century and a 19th-century porch.

The tower, which has a little spire called a Herefordshire spike, is Norman, and has reused Roman bricks in the west doorway. The nave and chancel are later, the chancel was rebuilt around 1300.

Inside, there are remains of medieval wall paintings showing scenes from the life of St Margaret, a 16th century font cover and a medieval screen and benches, one of which has a renowned carving of a tiger on it.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Social heritage stories

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • On street parking at church

  • Parking within 250m

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Church of England

  • Large Grant, £7,000, 2025

  • Our Large Grants fund urgent repairs and essential community facilities such as toilets and kitchens to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Virgin

Newport, Essex

Our church is in the centre of the village and listed for its historic, architectural and topographical importance.

Abbey Lane URC

Saffron Walden, Essex

1811 Independent Chapel, built to replace an earlier Meeting House for a congregation founded in 1665 with fine Victorian interior including pews, pulpit and screen.