The Church

The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin has been the centre of Christian worship in the town for over seven hundred years and it continues to serve the community in this way.

St Mary's enjoys a commanding position, standing on one of the highest points in the town, overlooking the valley of the River Wye. The spire is a conspicuous landmark that can be seen for many miles around. It is regarded by many as the jewel in the crown of Ross-on-Wye.

The church, one of the largest in Herefordshire, is a blend of several styles of architecture. It has seen many changes since it was dedicated in 1316, some thirty years after building was started on the site, and there is evidence to suggest the site contained earlier Saxon and Norman churches.

The main Sunday service is the 9.30 a.m. Sung Eucharist.

A full cathedral style Choral Evensong is sung at 6.30p.m. (4.00p.m. in the winter) on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.

Special services take place on major festivals.

Music plays a vital role in all of these services.

The Benefice website can be found at rawchurch.org.uk