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St. Mary's Church is known locally as the Fisherman's Church as its tower guides sailors and their craft into the Hythe Quay. The existing building dates from 1130, but archaeological evidence suggests that it used to be the site of a Saxon church. It was likely to have been destroyed after the Battle of Maldon in 991.
The original tower of St. Mary the Virgin was build in 1300, but over three hundred years later in 1605, the upper part collapsed. The top part of the tower served as an important beacon for local navigation, and was petitioned for repair to King James I. It took over thirty years to finally be completed. The spire now topping the tower was added in 1740.
More recently in 1886, the church's restoration works were completed, where a south isle, a vestry, an underfloor heating system, as well as a new roof of Baltic timbers were all added. In 1991, a stained glass window by artist Mark Angus was installed in the south aisle of the church to commemorate the Battle of Maldon which took place in 991. It depicts the dying prayer of Saxon leader Byhrtnoth.
More recently, a sculptural sundial by famous local artist John Doubleday (who also created the statue of Byhrtnoth in nearby Promenade Park) was installed in the churchyard. The striking bronze sculpture with an anchor which acts as a sundial, shows different aspects of the wildlife and history of the River Blackwater. At the unveiling in 2020, John Doubleday told the story of the sculpture and explained that the river is symbolic of our journey through life with the anchor a sign of Christian hope.
St. Mary's Church has undergone many changes over the years, and today it stands above the Hythe, overlooking the River Blackwater as a landmark for residents and tourists alike.
The churchyard has two Commonwealth War Graves, to Private Stanley Markham and Lt Russell Finch, who both died in the First World War. Inside the church there is a brass memorial plaque with the names of 75 people who died in the Great War.
