St Mary the Virgin's Church, Stansted Mountfitchet

St Mary the Virgin’s Church stands in the grounds of Stansted Hall, about 1.6 kilometres southeast of Stansted Mountfitchet village in Essex. Built between 1120 and 1124 by William Mountfitchet, it is a Grade II* listed building recognised for its historical value and internal features. The church retains Norman elements such as the chancel arch and doorways, while later additions include a 17th-century west tower and an 1888 restoration by Francis T. Dollman. Though no longer the parish church—St John the Evangelist serves that role—St Mary’s remains consecrated and hosts occasional services and events. The church’s architecture reflects its long history, with flint and stone walls and a brick tower. The Norman chancel arch is decorated with zigzag and ball-flower carving, and the north and south doorways feature scalloped capitals and saltire motifs. Inside, a 13th-century font and 17th-century communion rail survive alongside notable monuments. These include a knight’s effigy said to commemorate Roger de Lancaster, who died in 1310, and a grand tomb for Sir Thomas Middleton, who died in the 17th century. The churchyard holds war graves for five First World War and four Second World War service personnel. The brick tower contains eight bells arranged in an unusual anti-clockwise fashion, the largest weighing 13 hundredweight. Despite the church’s redundant status, the bells are still rung regularly, with monthly practices organised by the Essex Association of Change Ringers.