Open App
St. Mary-at- Finchley is the oldest building in Finchley. Some people believe that this was a sacred site in Saxon times. Certainly a church was in existence by the 13th century, when it was known as “The Church of Our Ladye at Fynchesley”.Throughout its life the church has been affected by historical events – ornaments and furnishings were destroyed during the Civil War in the 17th century, and in 1940 a bomb devastated the east end. The oldest visible parts are the tower and north wall. These are predominantly of 15th century date, but include some even older stonework. In the churchyard by the porch are early 18th century tombstones decorated with skulls and cherubs.The churchyard was extended in 1722, and in 1812 there were major roof repairs after the lead covering was stolen. With the arrival of the railway in 1867, Finchley’s population increased rapidly. A new south aisle was built in 1872, and hot water heating and gas lighting were installed. Further extensions were made in 1932. The last major restoration took place in 1953, after the wartime bombing.The church is listed Grade II* and the churchyard contains seven Grade II listed tombs and monuments, including an obelisk monument to Major John Cartwright (“Father of Reform”) and a Georgian sundial which features in a 1793 watercolour of St. Mary’s by JMW Turner.
