St Mary’s Church in Salcott-cum-Virley, Essex is a picturesque and charming rural church that exemplifies the High Anglo-catholic style. The village was split into two parishes but has been consolidated for over a century, although the BoE still lists them as separate entries. The great Essex earthquake of 1884 destroyed many buildings including a dozen churches, but only one of the two churches in Salcott-cum-Virley was repaired, leaving the former Virley parish church in ruins on someone’s property.
St Mary’s Church was rebuilt, except for the tower, around ten years after the earthquake. It is an open and welcoming space, and the inner doors are held open with weights allowing visitors to observe the ornate statues, candles, and simple wooden furnishings. The church’s rustic charm is reminiscent of the Calthorpe church in Norfolk. To promote community spirit, the church takes part in a local initiative called Coffee Point, which allows anyone passing by to make themselves a cup of tea or coffee and have a rest while enjoying the surroundings.
The church’s millennium window in the nave depicts the Roman Catholic symbol of the millennium, symbolizing the church’s High Anglo-catholic beliefs. St Mary’s is the author’s favorite church of the day, despite visiting several other good ones. Overall, St Mary’s Church in Salcott-cum-Virley is an excellent example of a rustic church with a High Anglo-catholic style and friendly community spirit.
Posted by Simon Knott on 2012-11-03 11:19:56