Church of St Mary the Virgin, Wiggenhall

Carved Saints and a broken heart

St Mary's stands in a watery landscape next to an orchard by the River Ouse. In the spring a path lined with bulbs leads the way to this peaceful church and in summer, visitors pass a collection of buddleia and clouds of butterflies. Green stained glass casts light on row upon row of carved benches, featuring lively little wooden saints and figures in amazingly detailed dress. The font cover, too, is a fine piece of carving, dating from the Jacobean period.

Saints also feature in brilliant coloured panels on the medieval screen, and there are some wonderful lifesize marbles of local nobles. In the south chapel, a brass the shape of a heart commemorates Sir Robert Kervile who died abroad. His grieving wife sent a monk to retrieve his heart, and it lies buried here. There is a lovely sundial over the porch entrance.

Please note that currently the church is home to many bats. You are unlikely to see them in daylight hours, but unfortunately they leave quite a mess. We are working with Bats in Churches Project to organise a deep clean and set up an ongoing cleaning regime. Thanks for your understanding.

Wiggenhall Guide

To donate by text, please text 'WIG' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.