Old Church of St Mary the Virgin, Preston Candover

The church was founded in about 1190. At this time it is thought that it consisted of a long single cell with transepts, and a western weatherboarded bellcote with a pyramidal roof. A restoration was carried out in 1796. In 1831 the church was enlarged, providing 48 additional sittings. By 1885 the fabric of the church had deteriorated so much that, except for the chancel, it was demolished. At this time 60% of the pews were private. A new church with the same dedication was built nearer the centre of the village. The church's font and altar were transferred to the new church. The building is open daily.

The floor contains some medieval tiles, and inscribed slabs and brasses dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. On the north and south walls are four marble memorials dating between 1729 and 1798. On the west wall is a framed painting recording the 1831 expansion of the church and two boards bearing the Ten Commandments. On the east wall are wall paintings that probably date from the 18th century. Also in the church is a small piscina, and altar rails dating from the 17th century.