Founded in the 12th century, this historic church was built to serve the increasing community that grew around William the Conqueror's Benedictine abbey. Inside, find a wall painting of St Margaret of Antioch and the alabaster tomb of Sir Anthony Browne. Browne was a courtier and confidante to Henry VIII, who gave him the abbey.

The church is a wonderful place to explore, both inside and out, to marvel at the sheer amount of history it's seen.

Mareike

August 16, 2020

St Mary's has been at the centre of Christian life in Battle for nearly 900 years. This beautiful parish church was founded by Abbot Ralph around 1115 AD. The Benedictine Abbey of St Martin was built on the 1066 battlefield and established St Mary's to serve the community which had grown up around the monastery.

The church includes a magnificent transitional nave, a rare wall painting of St Margaret of Antioch c. 1300 and the gilded and painted Alabaster Tomb of Sir Anthony Browne – the man whom King Henry VIII granted the Abbey. You can also view the Crusaders' crosses carved by their swords and the superb Senlac window commemorating the battle.

Although now faded, the church once exhibited one of the most impressive painted interiors of the middle ages in Sussex. There are also three brasses of note dating from 1426. Saint Catherine's Chapel is situated at the east end of the south aisle.

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Elevation 80 m

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Friday 26 December

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Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

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Location: Battle, Rother, East Sussex, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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