South Stoneham, St Mary

Set in its picturesque churchyard St Mary's retains all the charm of a country church and still looks much as it must have done for centuries. The oldest part of the church is the chancel, which dates from the 12th century, and two Norman windows remain. The niche and aumbry, in the north and east walls, are Early English and the Perpendicular east window is from the 15th century. The tower also dates from the 15th century. On the outside of its south wall is a sundial of 1738 bearing the warning 'So flies life away'.

The nave was built about 1240 but the Gothic windows were reconstructed in 1854, when the south transept was also built. It has a Georgian ceiling behind which is a fine medieval timbered roof. In 1297 Edward I ordered that three oaks from his royal forest be given for the repair of the roof of St Mary's, South Stoneham. The chancel arch is a fine example of late 12th century transitional style, with Norman pillars and capitals and an Early English pointed arch. Above it hang the arms of Charles II, set up at the Restoration in 1660.

The font dates from 1190 and bears traces of original carving, although the purbeck shafts are modern. The north transept, possibly as old as the nave, was rebuilt in 1728 to house the memorial to Edward Dummer. It is now the Memorial Chapel of the Resurrection, commemorating those who died in the 1939-45 War.

Opening Times
Wednesday and Sunday, 2 - 4pm
Saturday, 10am - 12noon
Bank Holidays 10am - 12noon and 2 - 4pm
Easter Monday to the end of September

Telephone: 023 8055 8266

Services

Sunday	8am	Holy Communion
	10.30am	The Eucharist (Parade & Family Service on 3rd Sunday)
	6.30pm	Evening Worship (University term-time)
3rd Sunday	3.30pm	Holy Baptism
Wednesday	9.30am	Holy Communion
Saturday	10pm	Compline