Church of St Mary (EHER 2430)

The Parish church of St Mary stands at the centre of Ardleigh village. The walls are of mixed rubble with limestone dressings. The nave is early-mid 14th century, the flushwork west tower and south porch are 15th century and the rest was heavily restored in 1885. 

The Parish church of St Mary stands in the village. The walls are of mixed rubble with limestone dressings. The nave is early-mid 14th century, the flushwork west tower and south porch are 15th century, the rest was restored in 1885. Only the west bay of nave survived restoration. Many parts of the old church were reused in the rebuilt church. Features and fittings include: 14th and 15th century windows; late 15th century carved doorway reset in south wall of nave; 15th century west doorway; south porch (photo in RCHM) has flushwork, carving (including figures), ashlar band with black letter inscription; porch roof is late 15th century; one of the bells is probably early 15th century, by Robert Burford, inscribed; late 15th century door in south doorway with elaborate tracery late 15th century niches; late 15th century recess in tower; screen is late 15th century, partly restored (photo in RCHM). There is a late 15th century stoup in the south doorway. <1> <2> <3> <4> The church existed by 1087 <4>. The parish has the appearance of being cut out from Colchester Borough Liberty, Dedham and Lawford at a very early date. Graded AIIb by Rodwell. <5> <6> Site Assessment = South porch a good example of the period. South door is noteworthy. <1> Externally, the tower and porch are of high merit for their flushwork. Archaeological potential of the church unknown. Few Roman bricks in tower, but whole area abounds in prehistoric and Roman sites. Main potential would be internal excavation to discover structural sequence. No current threats. Would be interesting to know foundation date as parish seems to have been cut out from others at an early date. <6> Information from the NRHE St Mary's Church (C of E) [NAT]. <7>