Brief History of St Mary's
The earliest documentary reference to St Mary's, Richmond dates from 1137, and a number of Norman features can still be seen in the building today, including two magnificent pillars (one square, one round) at the west end of the nave near to the entrance door. The church tower dates from 1399.
 Throughout the Middle Ages St Mary’s was modified and improved, as can be seen from the number of different architectural and decorative styles. During the Reformation and the period of the Commonwealth, some of the Church’s oldest treasures, such as the statues and stained glass, were destroyed.
By the middle of the 19th Century the structure of the building had deteriorated to such a dangerous degree that a complete restoration was essential. This was undertaken by the renowned architect, Sir Gilbert Scott and in 1858-59 St Mary’s was virtually rebuilt. Scott’s restoration included three galleries, since removed, which increased the number of seats to 1,047. The fine organ by Harrison and Harrison of Durham is considered to be one of the greatest parish church organs in England; it was restored in 2003.
Inside the building a number of information panels have been placed at various points of interest. A walk round the outside of the building recalls some of the history of the people of the parish. Near the north wall stands a stone commemorating the death of 1,050 Richmond people as a result of the plague of 1597-98. As well as the graves of two soldiers who fought at Waterloo, there is the grave of Robert Willance who was born in the 16th century and whose house still stands in Frenchgate.
Photograph by Philip Pearson
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