St Mary's Church, Ashley

2013-06-26

Echoes of a long ago fortified past

This 12th century church, set prettily amongst trees, was probably built to serve Gains Castle, a Norman fortification now vanished.

A long, very narrow building of local stone, flint and brick, it consists only of nave, chancel and south porch, with two bells hung in small arches in the west gable.

Interesting features inside include:

• the triple chancel arch;
• a 13th-century wall painting in the splay of a small Norman window in the chancel;
• the ancient south door;
• a curious 17th century alms box cut out of an oak post.