Welcome to the website of the church of St Mary the Virgin, Dover, England. St Marys is the ancient Parish Church of the town of Dover, and Christians have worshipped on this site for well over a thousand years. Part of the existing building dates from Norman times, and much of the history of the town lies buried in the immediate surrounding area.
The town is famous for its wonderful castle and White Cliffs, and as the busiest passenger port in the world, lying as it does at the south-easternmost corner of England and only twenty-one miles from the French port of Calais. St Marys stands proudly in the town centre, and provides a visible sign of Christian witness to people going about their daily tasks.
St Marys is the Civic Church of Dover, and the Patrons of the Church are the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, and the Lord Lieutenant of the County of Kent, Alan Willett. It has hosted many important occasions over the years, including visits by the Queen Mother and the Dukes of Gloucester and Kent, and the memorial service to those who died in the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy in 1987.
Today's worshipping community enjoys a middle of the road Anglican style, and the church maintains a fine musical tradition, with a robed mixed choir of more than thirty members. There is a thriving Sunday School and energetic youth club, both of which contribute enormously to the life of the parish.
Browse around our site to learn a little more about our church and people, and before you leave be sure to visit our guestbook and bookmark this page for future reference.
