Parish of St. Mary the Virgin, Ross-on-Wye

History

When the Domesday Book was compiled in 1086, the population of Ross was said to be 125. A priest is recorded, and so presumably there was a church. If so, there is now no trace of this building. Visitors who examine the exterior face of the north wall of the chancel may find several pieces of calcareous tufa. This substance, largely used by the Normans, has been thought to indicate the re-use in the present building of material from a Norman church.

Most of the present church was built between about 1280 and its dedication in 1316. By the middle of the fourteenth century the East end had been extended and the tower added, together with the porches to the North and South. The Markye Chapel on the South side was attached in 1510. The present ground plan of the church was completed in the nineteenth century with the addition of the organ chamber.

The building is in the Decorated style, with columns more slender than those of the Norman period, with pointed arches, and with tracery in to windows. There are six piscinae in the church, indicating that at one time there were six altars.

The stained glass in the east window dates back to 1430, and has an unusual history. Other items of special interest include a small stained glass window above the chancel arch depicting Joseph holding the baby Jesus (an almost unique portrayal), a memorial in the chancel containing a poem written by Sir Walter Raleigh on the eve of his execution, and the memorials to John Kyrle, Man of Ross.

Ross has managed to compile a list of Rectors with pictures going back 100 years.