St. Mary's, Hay

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Photograph by John Ball

The original 12th century church had suffered years of neglect by absentee vicars, until in 1828 it was described as 'dark comfortless and ill-contrived and quite inadequate in point of size.

So St. Mary's Church was almost entirely rebuilt by Humphrey Allen in 1833. Only the lower stages of the original 12th century West tower remain, an embattled top being added during the rebuilding. The work included a new nave with south and west galleries and a small chancel.

Further improvements were made in 1866-67. The chancel arch was replaced by three Gothic arches and the chancel enlarged by the addition of an apse, organ chamber and vestry. A south porch was also erected.

The interior of St. Mary’s ( click to enlarge).

The Pulpit
at St. Mary’s

Amongst the new furnishings was an octagonal pulpit in Italianite style with medallions on five sides representing Our Lord and the Four Evangelists, installed in 1879. Stained glass picturing 'The Agony in the Garden', 'The Crucifixion', and 'The Entombment' was fitted in the three one-light windows of the apse.

In 2007 St Mary's was given the gift of a rare Victorian pipe organ by Holmer Church in Herefordshire. This magnificient Bevington organ has been installed and completely rebuilt throughout 2009/2010 at St. Mary's by the renowned organ builder Trevor Tipple. The first recital was given by Father Richard on 18th November 2010.

Full historical details of St. Mary’s at Hay can be seen at the CPAT website.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr. Rowan Williams with Archbishop Desmond Tutu on a visit to St. Mary’s in May 2009. The as yet uncompleted Bevington organ can be seen in the background.
Father Richard and “Jimmy” are on the right.