St Mary's Church

The Church of Saint Mary the Virgin has been one of Dover's main parish churches for over 400 years. The building is of early Norman origin and Norman architecture can still be seen in the lower two stages (c.100 ad) and the three upper stages (c.1150 ad) of the tower.

Although the church was closed by Henry VIII's Reformation, it was later restored to the townspeople by public request. From 1585 until 1826 the Freeman of Dover elected the Mayor inside the church at the Communion Table. During this period, the church foundations becae unsafe due to the number of burials in the floor and it was rebuilt in 1843 in the Victorian Gothic style.