Friends of St Marys Church Newport

About

St. Mary the Virgin, Newport has stood in the heart of the village for almost 800 years, with construction starting in the 13th century and continuing throughout the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries. There is also evidence of an earlier church on the site.

It is a grade I listed building of great historic and architectural importance, housing a number of treasures including the "Newport Chest", a portable altar of the late 12th century.

The 15th century tower was completely rebuilt in 1858-59 following a lightning strike whilst the priest's chamber above the porch holds a library founded by Dr Thomas Bray, thought to be one of only three in Essex still in situ.

The entire church, including furniture, fittings and architectural details has been recorded by The National Association for Decorative and Fine Arts.

The 2020 Quinquennial Report by the architect identified £354,000 of work to be done. This includes professional fees and irrecoverable VAT on decorating work. This will bring the spend to over £1 million since 2000

A project just completing before Christmas 2021 is to restore stonework and stained glass windows above the nave and includes the first (limewash) decorating for 50 years. The cost, including some structural repairs, is £150,000