St Mary's Church

St Mary's Church is the civic church of Bury St Edmunds and is one of the largest parish churches in England. It claims to have the second longest aisle, and the largest West Window of any parish church in the country. It was part of the abbey complex and originally was one of three large churches in the town .

The present church is the second building to stand on the site, the first being built in the 12th century by Mr Hervey. 'Heritage Suffolk' describes it as having been built by Abbot Anselm to replace the previous church of St Mary which was demolished to make space for the construction of [the south wing of] the Abbey Church. However, nothing survives of the Norman church and the oldest part of the existing building is the decorated chancel . There was a major renovation between the 14th and 16th centuries and it is at this point that the nave, its aisles and the tower were built. It is also at this time that Mary Tudor, favourite sister of Henry VIII, died and was buried in the church. Her tomb is in the sanctuary directly to the north of the Lord's table. The church, however, is dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and not, as some mistakenly believe, to Mary Tudor.

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