St Mary's Church, Mundon

The oldest fabric in the present church dates from the 14th century. The church is built within the moated enclosure of Mundon Hall. It is thought that an earlier church existed on the site, possibly dating back to the Anglo-Saxon era, as it is situated on St Peter's Way, an ancient pilgrim's route to St Peter's Chapel, Bradwell. In addition the font, which has been removed, was dated to about 1200. The tower, with its timber belfry, was erected in the 16th century. The charity holds a 999-year lease with effect from 1 January 1975. Since its acquisition repair and conservation work has been carried out, assisted by a grant of £140,000 from English Heritage. From September 2009 the church…

The plan of the church consists of a nave with a north porch, a chancel, and a tower supporting a belfry; around the tower is a semi-octagonal aisle. Inside the church is a complete set of 18th-century box pews and an 18th-century octagonal pulpit. On the chancel walls, also dating from the 18th century, are paintings of the Ten Commandments, the Lord's Prayer, the Creed, and other texts. Above the east window is a mural depicting curtains being drawn aside, with hanging tassels, "in a rare rural attempt at trompe l'oeil".