St
Mary the Virgin is the Parish Church
of the small village of
Drayton Beauchamp in the county of Buckinghamshire, England.
St. Mary's has been described "as one of the most beautiful churches in the county,"
and for those contemplating a visit, they can expect the most attractive
and peaceful setting. For centuries the church and churchyard have
stood in surrounding fields among the flocks of sheep.
The history of this lovely little church
follows, but it is probably most notable for the fact that during
1584 and 1585
Richard Hooker"the founding father of Anglican theology" was appointed to
his first incumbency at St. Mary's.
The
Parish is part of a United Benefice which also includes the parishes of
Aston Clinton and Buckland. Although these parishes are located on the
eastern limits of Buckinghamshire, they are part of the Diocese of Oxford.
Today services are held regularly each Sunday and the villagers are still
supporting the life of their church.
To commemorate the Millennium, they installed a specially commissioned wrought
iron seat in the churchyard. Thanks are due to Aylesbury Vale
District Council for their assistance - part funding this.
The seat allows ramblers and visitors an
opportunity to pause and enjoy the tranquility of the surrounding
countryside.
St. Mary's Church was used recently as a
location for the film "The Land Girls" in which the Rector, the
Rev'd Alan Bennett, co-starred with Catherine McCormack, Rachel Weisz and
Anna Friel.
Visitors, both individuals and groups, are
very welcome to come to St. Mary's. If the visit is at a time other
than when a service is being held, a key to the church is readily
available from nearby parishioners.
The Sunday Services are
as follows:
First Sunday in the month
9.30 am Children's Service
First & Third Sundays
in the month 10.30 am Holy Communion
All other Sundays 10.30 am Mattins
Rector
The Rev'd Alan Bennett
(Area Dean)
Also Resident
The Rev'd Dennis W Davies
The Rev'd John Tabor
Please see the Notice
Board for details of events at
St. Mary the Virgin
Drayton Beauchamp
