Church of St Mary the Virgin

The Church of St Mary the Virgin stands in the centre of Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. It is a Grade I listed building designed by Sir Ninian Comper between 1908 and 1930. The church follows the Perpendicular Gothic style and reflects the influence of the Oxford Movement. Financing came largely from the Misses Sharman of Wellingborough. In 1970 it was recognised as a Grade I listed building, one of very few from the 20th century. The church belongs to the Anglo-Catholic tradition of the Church of England. Because the parish rejects the ordination of women, it receives alternative episcopal oversight from the Bishop of Richborough. It is also linked with Forward in Faith and The Society. Michael Bent served his curacy here from 1955 to 1960 before later roles in New Zealand and Fiji. Inside, the church contains fittings designed by Comper himself. The vicars who have served since 1905 include Fr Thomas Watts, Fr Conrad Radford and Fr Robert Farmer SSC. The building stands as a place of worship and quiet reflection in the town.