Church of St Mary the Virgin, Ashley

The church is of 13th-century origin and is made of local Northamptonshire ironstone and limestone. It is Grade I listed. The church is known for its tower and broach spire.{{Cite web|url=https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/101052127-church-of-st-mary-ashley|title=Church of St Mary, Ashley, Northamptonshire|website=britishlistedbuildings.co.uk}}

The Revd Richard Pulteney refurbished and restored the church, under the guidance of Sir George Gilbert Scott, in 1864–1866. Pulteney also built a school and a schoolmaster's house.{{Cite web|url=https://ashleyvillage.co.uk/index.php/st-marys-church/|title=St Mary's Church – Ashley, Northamptonshire}}

The main part of the church was refurnished and restored with hand-carved, oak pews, pulpit and priest's desk. The pews are decorated with foliate carvings.{{Cite web|url=https://www.northamptonshiresurprise.com/organisation/ashley-st-mary-the-virgin/|title=Ashley, St Mary the Virgin Northamptonshire|website=www.northamptonshiresurprise.com}}

The church has a marble, alabaster, semi-precious stone and gold leaf decorated chancel designed by Clayton and Bell, who also designed the stained-glass windows. The church has been described by Historic England as "an outstanding example of Victorian Gothic style at its height". There is a painted barrel ceiling which is like the ceiling at Peterborough Cathedral. The church also has some chandeliers made by George Bodley.

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Category:Churches in Northamptonshire

Category:Church of England church buildings in Northamptonshire

Ashley