About Us

St Mary the Virgin is in the Parish of Aylesbury. The Church of Fairford Leys is part of our Parish, as a Local Ecumenical Partnership, that was founded by the Town Centre churches in.

St Mary’s stands in the centre of Aylesbury, and due to its position on a small hill, is among the tallest and most visible buildings in the town, being visible across the entire Vale.

St. Mary’s Church is the Parish Church for Aylesbury and the County Church for Buckinghamshire. As a result, we host many civic, cultural and music events during the year. The Rector is traditionally the chaplain to the Town Mayor of Aylesbury.

We pride ourselves as a church with its doors open to visitors seven days a week. We are the venue for Aylesbury Lunchtime Music Concerts that have taken place here on Thursdays for over forty years. There is a Said Eucharist Service at Noon every Thursday. The Lunchtime concert begins at 12:45.

St. Mary’s Church is in the modern catholic tradition. This means that we celebrate the Eucharist as our principal service, wearing vestments and using incense when appropriate. We have a full choir who are affiliated to the Royal School of Church Music. Our repertoire is broad, enjoying modern and traditional hymns and music.

You are most welcome to join us.  We love questions!  Some of  the profound questions come from young children. We believe very strongly that our worship is for all, and our toddlers enjoy their space within the main body of the church! We have thriving Junior Worship sessions and of course opportunities for people to take up roles to assist with worship and extending welcome to newcomers.

St. Mary’s is the proud home to a gifted and much-awarded team of bell ringers, who offer bells for all major services.

We are a very diverse community, with an increasing population from many countries and cultures from around the world.  We enjoy the company (and accents!) from many parts of the UK, Africa, Asia, The Caribbean and America.  On the first Sunday of the month, you will hear praises in Shona by our Fellowship from Zimbabwe!

About The Church Building

St Mary the Virgin is the Parish Church of Aylesbury, and also the County Church for Buckinghamshire. The present building is dated to 1271AD, replacing a former Saxon church. Our “Aylesbury Font” – still used to Christen/Baptise, is dated to 1171AD, of Norman origin. Located at the heart of the old town, the church is an oasis of calm in the midst of a busy and vibrant town.

As a spiritual resource for the town and county we offer daily services. Once inside, you will encounter a vast space of Worship, music and wonder!  Stories of our Faith are depicted in glorious stained glass.  Feel free to ask for a tour.  We welcome visitors in small or large numbers (but larger groups should let us know when you wish to visit please).We are part of the Aylesbury Deanery – the Anglican Churches of the Aylesbury Vale.

We’re part of the ACN – the Aylesbury Church Network ACN Website click here

We’re part of the Church Of England’s Oxford Diocese – the Anglican Churches of Oxfordhsire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire
Oxford Diocese Website – click here