About

St Mary the Virgin is a beautiful Grade II* Listed church in the village of Tollesbury. The nave and part of the tower date back to the 11th century and incorporate reused Roman bricks and tiles. The upper tower was added in the 16th century. Inside you can see an inner arch of Roman bricks at the south door, and an early 18th century font which bears an inscription warning visitors not to swear in church! You can also see an interesting brass on the south wall of Thomas Freshwater and his wife Margaret, along with their nine daughters and two sons, dating back to 1517. The church has a set of 10 bells, the oldest from 1661, which are rung every week.

During the medieval period the parish church was the property of Saint Mary's nunnery at Barking; the nunnery was responsible for the appointment of the clergyman to the parish. Following the dissolution of the nunnery in 1539, the manor was given to Thomas, Lord Cromwell a few days before he was made Earl of Essex. The gift of the living has passed through many hands, and now rests with Exeter College, Oxford and the Bishop of Chelmsford.

The churchyard contains nine Commonwealth War Graves from World War One and Two, commemorating Petty Officer Herbert Walter Frost, Flight Serjeant A R Page, Private S Rose, Petty Officer G A Herbert, Corporal Archibald Lewis, Private Murray Rice, Private A E Service, Trimmer T G Walters and Private George Farthing. Tollesbury war memorial is also in the church grounds

There is a ramp for ease of access at the south door, large print service booklets and an induction loop for hearing aids. Parking is available in the village square. Toilets are available for use during church services.