The Building

The Church of St Mary the Virgin, Purley on Thames is a very ancient foundation dating back to the 8^th or 9^th centuries. It was rebuilt or extended around 1150, 1350, 1626, 1870 and 1984 and traces of all of these buildings remain.

The present buildings consist of a nave and a chancel from 1870, a tower from 1626, an extension with kitchen, toilets and vestry from 1984 and a former vestry, now a mezzanine area and organ loft from 1877. The bells date variously from 1626 to 1788 and have recently been retuned and rehung, being available to ring in the new millennium after more than half a century of disuse. There were several mediaeval lancet windows but only one remains unblocked. A perpendicular style window which once graced the south wall, then, from 1870, the old vestry, now sits somewhat forlornly in the new foyer. The font and arch to the organ loft date from around 1150.

Location

The church is located at the end of St Mary’s Avenue which is a continuation of New Hill. New Hill leads north off the A329 about half way between the Knowsley Road Roundabout and the Long Lane traffic lights in Purley on Thames. (SU 668 761)

History

I have produced a short history of the church, which can be obtained from myself or the rector for £2-00 (plus 50p P&P). Copies are also available in the church bookstall.

A fuller version has been placed on this website. (click Church history above)

The Services

St Mary’s is Church of England. The regular Sunday services are :

9.30 am Family Worship

11.15 am Holy Communion

6.00 pm Evening Worship (3^rd Sunday) or Holy Communion (1^st Sunday)

The Clergy

The present Rector is the Reverend Roger Howell. He is assisted by an honorary curate, The Reverend Jean Rothery and an ordained local minister, The Reverend Andrew Mackie.

G7100 5/10/02