St Mary's Church

St Mary’s Church stands in the centre of Watford on the High Street, about 25 kilometres from London. It is the parish church of Watford and belongs to the Diocese of St Albans. Thought to be at least eight centuries old, the building contains graves of local nobility and fine Elizabethan and Jacobean monuments. The present structure is mainly from the 15th century, though parts date back to around 1230. During 19th-century restorations, builders found 12th-century stonework reused in the walls and the basin of a 12th-century font reused as hardcore in the tower. The church has strong links with the local nobility and notable figures. Past vicars included William Capel, son of the third Earl of Essex and a keen cricketer. In 1909 King Edward VII attended a service and entered through the door now called the Edward VII door. The Essex Chapel, founded in 1595, holds tombs of the Earls of Essex and the Morison and Capel families. Among its treasures are two large wall monuments by the sculptor Nicholas Stone, praised by Pevsner as the church’s chief glory. Inside, the six-bay nave is flanked by aisles with octagonal piers and a clerestory above. The timber roof rests on carved angels, and the chancel arch and piscina date from the 13th century. The organ, installed in 1935, is by J. W. Walker & Sons. A 1714 pulpit by Richard Bull survives, along with 17th- and 18th-century marble tablets. Recent work uncovered thirteen hidden burial vaults beneath the floor, which were conserved before new heating and flooring were laid.