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.
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.
Please visit our "Organ" page for full details.
Full historical details can be seen at the CPAT website here
Officials at St. Mary's, Hay
Parish Priest
Father Richard Williams 19 The Meadows, Hay 01497 820448
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Church Wardens
Dr Terry Watson 1 Victoria Terrace, Cusop, Hay 01497 820914
Mr Stuart Pritchard Barclays Bank Flat, Hay-on-Wye 01497 820578
or in the shop 01497 822742
Emeritus Church Warden
Mr Jeffery Babb 18 Church Ter., St. Mary's Rd. Hay 01497 822946
Treasurer (St. Mary's & St. John's Chapel)
Mr. Peter Lloyd 52 Gipsy Castle, Hay-on-Wye 01497 820136
Acting Secretary
Mrs Christina Watson 1 Victoria Terrace, Cusop. 01497 820914
Sacristan
Mr. Alan Rosethorne 10 De Breos Court, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822933
Organist and Director of Music
Mr Howard Seymour Golden Grove, Ewyas Harold, 01981 240344
Herefordshire. HR2 0EF
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St. John's
Church Wardens
Mr. Alan Rosethorne 10 De Breos Court, Hay-on-Wye 01497 822933
Letting Secretary
Miss Caroline Hafner 01497 820481
Editor of "Way on High" Bryn Like, The Meads, Cusop 01497 821570
Hay-on-Wye HR3 5RW
bryn@ilike.freeserve.co.uk