What a troublesome lady for such a church.
Mary Magdalene, one of the more problematic figures in the Christian constellation. Who was this woman, miscast in the 16'th century as prostitute and adulteress, called by some the wife of Christ and by many his companion. Proclaimed by the gnostics as “Mary, thou blessed one, thou whose heart is raised to the kingdom of heaven more than all thy brethren”. Now of course an idealogical football in the 'feminisation' of Christianity. A Christian character rediscovered by every generation, but venerated in both the eastern and western churches. Other than Christ who else carries the burden of our interpretation so heavily?
This church has carried the dedication since at least the 18'th century. Evidence of a church dates back to the 13'th century as a chapel associated with the church in Avebury. Of the structure as we see it now the chancel dates from the 13'th century and the nave from the 14'th. The existence of the cusped niches in the east wall of the nave may suggest an alter was once set there.
The origin of the small wooden bell tower is not known, it is in part supported by two substantial wood poles in the nave. The nave roof and porch are 15'th century. The 17'th pulpit survives in place.
A bright and well maintained church, now separated from most of its village which has, as is the wont of many small settlements, wandered over the years.
This church is usually open.
