St Mary's

The 1200 year old church of St Mary's in Stoke d'Abernon is staging a flower and music festival so I took the opportunity of visiting to take some photographs. The church has Saxon origins but, like most churches, has been altered and added to over the centuries. It is famous for having the oldest memorial brasses in the country.  The first,  dating from 1277, depicts the knight Sir John d'Abernon in his chain mail and complete with sword and lance and alongside him lies his son with another brass which historians study to see the development of knights' armour. See extras.
The ancient features of the church were all enhanced by the beautiful flower arrangements. Each incorporated musical instruments. Tomorrow there is a lunchtime organ recital in the church and while we were there the organist was rehearsing which added to the lovely atmosphere.