St Mary's Church, Higham

St Mary's was founded in the Saxon era, and a church was in existence on the site before the Norman Conquest. The present church was rebuilt after the Conquest, and still contains some Norman features, despite later additions and alterations. During the 12th century a nunnery was founded nearby, and in about 1280 it moved to a site opposite the church. In 1357 the nunnery received a papal indulgence to raise money for repairs. It is thought likely that this was used to build a new south aisle for the church, which is as large as the original nave. The nunnery was closed in 1522. In 1710 the spire was built. The church was repaired and restored in the early part of the 19th century. The…

The church is entered by the 15th century south door which is finely carved with motifs including roses, lilies and human faces. Between the nave and the aisle is a three-bay arcade. Dividing the nave from the Lady Chapel is a wooden 15th century rood screen. This is carved and has five arches, the central one forming the doorway. Between the arches are columns, each of which is surmounted by a small spire. The carved wooden pulpit dates from the same era. The font is Norman, and the rest of the furniture dates from the 1863 restoration. The Lady Chapel contains two tombs, one of which is dated 1615, and an aumbry complete with its door. In the south wall of the chancel is a piscina and a…