St Mary’s Church
ABOUT
The earliest parts of the church date back to the Norman 1100s and there are traces below the chancel of the footings of an earlier semi-circular apse. In the 1300s much of the church was rebuilt in the Decorated style, with a trussed rafter roof and the additional of the chapel.
One of the original Norman windows remains and the ouline of a blocked north door can be seen from the churchyard.
The church houses the Geneva (‘breeches’) bible, printed in 1578. This was one of the most historically significant translations of the Bible into English, preceding the King James Version by 51 years.
Within the church there are memorials to many of the Pytt’s family members. You will also notice a South African flag, to commemorate when the house was used as Red Cross Hospital during WWII, then owned by Lord Clarendon, High Commissioner for South Africa at that time.
During Covid, Kyre church is open each Friday afternoon, from 2.30 pm to 4 pm.
This is followed by ‘Take Breath’ from 4pm to 5pm, a time of shared meditative silence.
We welcome you to join us for this.
If you would like to visit the church outside of these hours, please contact Maggie Kingston on mdk46@phonecoop.coop.