St Mary’s church is located just off the Market Square in Whittlesey. The impressive tall spire can be seen across the Fens and is a well-known landmark which leads to the church being called “high” by the locals. The first church on this site was consecrated in 1128 but it was ravaged by fire and was rebuilt over the next 250 years. The church houses a restored Conacher & Co three manual organ. T
he west window depicts three local Saints, Guthlac, Hermit of Crowland, Audrey/Etheldreda, founder of a monastery at Ely and Edmund, King and Martyr enshrined at Bury St Edmunds. The church also houses a memorial to Sir Harry Smith, the Hero of Aliwal, who served in the Peninsular War under the Duke of Wellington. A full and detailed history and tour of the church can be found on St Mary’s Friends website: www.friendsofstmary.co.uk. Pupils from each of the schools visit to climb the tower and/or complete their school projects. The schools also use the church as a venue for their annual Christmas services. During the summer, as a form of outreach, tea and cake is served in the grounds on certain Sundays. This along with concerts and art exhibitions, the Christmas tree festival and other functions makes St Mary’s accessible to all. If you decide to visit St Mary’s you are assured of a friendly welcome.
