Monument record MCC4930 - Remains of St Mary the Virgin's Church, Virley

Summary

Chancel and nave probably early C13, may have been partially rebuilt later.

Location

Grid reference TL 9498 1379 (point)
Map sheet TL91SW
Civil Parish VIRLEY, COLCHESTER, ESSEX

Map

Type and Period (1)

Full Description

Chancel and nave probably early C13, may have been partially rebuilt later. Fell into disuse in second half of C19. <1>
An overgrown ruin comprising chancel and east part of nave, both possibly C13. There is a suspicion that the fabric is older in part but dating is difficult. The parish has long been united with Salcott. <2>
Walls of mixed rubble with some Roman brick. Chancel and nave probably built early in C13 but the later windows may indicate partial rebuilding of both parts. Chancel has east and south walls ruined above floor level. In the north wall are two C15 windows both repaired in C17. Early C13 chancel arch. The north wall of the nave has a probable C14 window and evidence of a blocked doorway - the rest of the north wall is completely destroyed. The south wall has some windows and part of C14 doorway though much of the wall is destroyed. <3> Other ref <4> Site Scheduled May 2001. <5>
AP. <6>. Photo ref <7>

Site Assessment:
Now roofless and ruined. Recomeended for scheduling <1>
The building has deteriorated seriously since RCHM visited and should be cleaned and recorded before further collapse occurs. As a ruin it is not a noteworthy monument. The graveyard is overgrown with only one tomb visible.<2>
Ruinous and overgrown with ivy.<3>

Sources/Archives (7)

  • <1> DESC TEXT: unknown. 1960 0nwards. SMR form unknown.
  • <2> Monograph: Rodwell, Warwick J with Rodwell, KA. 1977. Historic Churches - A Wasting Asset.
  • <3> DESC TEXT: RCHME. 1922. An Inventory of the Historical Monuments in Essex - Volume 3. p.225.
  • <4> DESC TEXT: Department of the Environment. 1982. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest: Colchester Rural.
  • <5> Scheduling record: English Heritage. 2001. Remains of St Mary the Virgin's Church.
  • <6> AP: Tyler, Sue. 2000. CP/00/11/4.
  • <7> Photograph: Tyler, Sue. 2000. Church of St Mary, Virley. print.

Finds (0)

Protected Status/Designation

Related Monuments/Buildings (2)

Related Events/Activities (0)

Record last edited

Nov 3 2015 11:41AM

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