Bishops Frome
St Mary the Virgin
Service Times
First Sunday of the month:- High Mass - 10am with incense
Second Sunday of the month:- Sung Eucharist - 10am
Third Sunday of the month - High Mass - 10am with incense
Fourth Sunday of the month - Sung Eucharist - 10am
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St Mary’s Church is geographically the central church of the eight parishes and one of the largest. The growing congregation now averages between 25-45 from a population of approximately 550. The church electoral roll stands at 47. We hold a 10am service each week. There is a growing choir who sing on first and third Sunday’s at High Mass services and several voluntary organists.
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There is a kitchen and a large seating area at the side of the church which is used for meetings and refreshments after services. The Friends of St Mary’s helps to finance repairs to the church.
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The Vicarage for the whole benefice is situated in Bishop’s Frome, a short walk from the church.
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History
St Mary's is a striking building. It has a square tower with a peal of six bells and dates back to the 12th century. The building was altered by the Victorians in the late 1800s and it is in this neo-Norman form that it now stands.
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The chancel dates from 1847 and the nave and north chapel from 1861. The west tower and the tower arch date from the 14th century. The south porch is neo-Norman but, on walking through the Victorian porch, a fine original 12th century doorway greets the visitor.
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The church includes some interesting features including a lead-lined Norman font, one of only twenty in England, and a Lady Chapel refurbished with materials from the now defunct Munderfield Chapel.
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