Built in 1860, the Catholic Church of Saint Mary Immaculate was designed by the famous architect Edward Welby Pugin, son of the more famous Augustus Welby Pugin (co-architect of the House of Commons).

The Church consists of the main building (pictured right), together with an annexe (social centre), and we are linked to our local Catholic school, Saint Mary's Primary School.

We are also notable for holding the marriage of JRR Tolkien, author of 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit', and Edith Bratt in 1916. A copy of the marriage certificate can be viewed within the Martyrs room on request.

A FULL HISTORY OF THE CHURCH NOW AVAILABLE HERE - HISTORY (Adobe Acrobat required to view)

For the LATEST on on PARISH CENTRE REFURBISHMENT click HERE