Church of St Mary, Bridgwater

The Parish Church of St Mary, more commonly known as St Mary's, is the main Church of England parish church for the town of Bridgwater, Somerset. Originally founded well before the Norman Conquest, the present church is a large and impressive structure dating primarily from the 14th and 15th centuries, with both earlier remains and later additions. The church is notable for its Gothic architecture, large stained glass windows, and unusually tall spire, a rarity in Somerset, a county known for its tall and elaborate church towers. With a height of 174 feet (53 m), it is the tallest medieval spire in the county. Architectural historian Nikolaus Pevsner, author of the 'Buildings of England' series, describes the spire as "exceedingly elegant". The church is also of considerable interest for housing an exceptionally rare and unusually large painting depicting the Descent from the Cross. The artist of the painting is unknown but is generally attributed (controversially) to either the Spanish painter Murillo, or the Italian painter Carracci, both of the 17th century. The building is the town's major landmark and due to its rich architecture and treasures, has been designated a Grade I listed building, the highest possible category, by Historic England. The church is also categorised by the Church of England as a 'Major Parish Church' due to its large size and historic importance.