About St Mary's
Nine centuries of prayer, community and care — a living church at the heart of Ware.
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A church for the whole community
The Church of St Mary the Virgin is an open and lively church community, worshipping in a beautiful historic building in the centre of Ware.
We seek to be a vibrant and flourishing Christian community that loves God with all its heart and might, and loves its neighbours as itself. Sunday by Sunday and day by day, people gather here to pray, to sing, to serve and to find friendship — and visitors are always welcome to share the peace of this ancient place.
Our doors are usually open every day from 9am until 5:30pm. Whether you come to worship, to light a candle, to sit in quiet reflection, to explore the architecture or to browse the bookstall, you will find a warm welcome and a place to belong.
At a glance
- Tradition
- Church of England, Diocese of St Albans
- Founded
- A church here since 1066
- Building
- Grade I listed, 14th–15th century
- Community
- A member of Inclusive Church
We long to be a vibrant and flourishing Christian community that loves God with all its heart and might, and loves its neighbours as itself.Our vision at St Mary's
Welcoming all
We welcome and include all people, whatever their gender, background, race, age, ability, mental health or sexual orientation. As a member of Inclusive Church, everyone has a place at God's table.
Faith made visible
We seek to live out a faith that is visible in worship and in action — praying daily, caring for creation, and working for fairness for all, both locally and across the world.
Tolerance & reconciliation
We value tolerance and reconciliation, striving to be a community where difference is honoured, peace is pursued, and every person is treated with dignity and love.
Nine centuries of faith
There has been a church on this site since the Norman Conquest, and worship has continued here without a break for nearly a thousand years. The building we see today grew across the medieval centuries into one of the finest parish churches in Hertfordshire.
A church on the hill
A place of Christian worship is established at Ware around the time of the Norman Conquest.
Recorded in Domesday
The Domesday Book records a priest at Ware — evidence of an active church community.
Enlarged by a queen's mother
Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII, enlarges the church into the grand cruciform building admired today.
The Dissolution
At the Dissolution of the Monasteries, Henry VIII grants the Priory and the Living to Trinity College, Cambridge.
A vicar bound for Harvard
Charles Chauncy becomes Vicar of Ware. He later emigrates to America and becomes President of Harvard College.
The Hill organ
The celebrated three-manual organ by William Hill is installed — rebuilt in 1985 and refurbished in 2016.
A church still growing
Lovingly cared for by its congregation and the Friends of St Mary's, the church continues to worship, welcome and serve.
A building that lifts the heart
Regarded as a fine example of 14th and 15th century architecture, St Mary's is rich in craftsmanship — from soaring stone arcades to glowing Victorian glass.
Stained glass
Magnificent windows flood the church with colour, depicting scenes of scripture and the lives of the saints.
The Hill organ
A three-manual organ of 1860 in a fine Gothic case, still leading the church's rich musical life.
Monuments & memorials
Centuries of memorials line the walls, telling the story of the people of Ware across the generations.
Spaces for prayer & welcome
The church offers many places to pause and pray. The Sacrament is reserved in the Lady Chapel, where the Daily Office is prayed, and there are quiet corners throughout the building for private reflection.
- Level access from the South Porch and Hall entrances
- Ramped access into the Lady Chapel
- Accessible toilet and baby-changing facilities
- A bookstall to browse and buy
- Hearing loop and large-print resources
Be part of St Mary's
Come and worship, explore our heritage, or lend your support to the care of this remarkable building.