St Mary the Virgin Church, Hurley

St Mary the Virgin Church, Hurley

 

St Mary the Virgin is Hurley’s parish church, located on the High Street in Hurley. It is part of the Parish of Burchetts Green, in the Deanery of Windsor and Maidenhead within the Diocese of Oxford. 

 

 

A church shaped by Hurley’s priory history

 

The parish history records that the first church on this site was probably built around c.700 AD, linked to St Birinus travelling up the Thames. 

 

Following the Norman Conquest, the lands at Hurley passed to Geoffrey de Mandeville, and in 1086 the rebuilt church at Hurley was dedicated as a Benedictine Priory, a cell to Westminster Abbey, at the request of his wife Leceline. 

 

In 1536, the Dissolution of the Monasteries led to major demolition of the priory church, leaving only what is broadly the present-day building. The parish history also notes that after the estates passed to John Lovelace, materials from the old priory were used to build the first Ladye Place mansion. 

 

 

Listed status and historic fabric

 

St Mary the Virgin is a Grade II* listed building on the National Heritage List for England (List Entry 1117524). 

 

Historic England’s listing describes the church as part of the former Benedictine priory, with a core dating to the 12th century, later alterations including the 15th century, and a significant 1852 restoration (by Hakewill). 

 

 

Later changes and the Priory Room

 

The parish history notes:

 

• A major restoration in 1852, including rebuilding the east end and installing the existing east windows and a stone screen behind the altar. 

• The Priory Room extension, built and dedicated in 1987. 

 

 

Visiting St Mary the Virgin

 

The church is open every day, 8am–4pm (times can vary, so check before you travel if you are making a special visit). 

 

 

Services, weddings and christenings

 

Service times and upcoming events are published through the parish’s church listings and website, and the parish office can help with enquiries about weddings, baptisms and funerals.