St Mary’s Church

Church Road, Hayes, Hillingdon

Grade II*

This historic church, faced in flint, was described by John Betjeman as “one of the gems of Middlesex ….” There has been a parish church here since at least 830 AD, though much of the present fabric dates from the 13th -15th centuries. The church hosts a wonderful Flower Festival every July with all the local community taking part. The congregation have been fundraising for the upkeep and restoration of St Mary’s for the past 20 years, and have so far spent over £350,000 on a new roof, as well as heating and re-wiring. A further £65,000 is currently being spent on restoring the 13th century chancel interior. The churchyard is entered via an attractive timber Lych Gate, which is thought to date from the 15th century. The brick and stone foundations for the gate, as well as sections of the timber frame, have deteriorated badly over time. The Trust has offered a grant of £4,000 to restore the gate.