St Mary's Church is an iconic Hitchin landmark - but how much do you know about it?

The site next to the River Hiz can trace its antecedents back to the eighth century.

In 792 AD Offa, King of Mercia, founded a Benedictine monastery where St Mary's stands now.

In 910 the monastery was destroyed by fire and the monks moved to the Abbey at St Albans.

The second church, which was mentioned in the Domesday Book, was partly destroyed by a 'great wind' in 1115, and an earthquake in 1298.

The present church dates substantially from the 14th and 15th centuries and was originally dedicated to st Andrew. It came to be known as The Church of St Mary due to the powerful and influential Guild of our Lady founded in the 15th century.

Read on for five things you might not know about St Mary's Church.

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1) The church was a makeshift prison during Oliver Cromwell's reign

Did you know the entrance to the Charnel House was used as a prison by Cromwell's men? The door, which is original, has a handle with hearts on it, giving us a date when James Herte was vicar.

2) The sundial

As you leave the church by the south porch with its medieval door, the sundial can be seen on the south east corner of the tower. It was placed there in thanksgiving for the restoration of Charles II. The solid tower houses a peal of 13 bells.

3) The mouse

Have you seen the mouse? Once lockdown is lifted and guidelines allow visits to the restorative calm of St Mary's take a look for a small mouse. Not a real one of course, by a carved one.

Young or old will enjoy the mouse, trademark of the carpenter Thompson of Kilburn in Yorkshire. Look for it on the end of the altar rail - and keep an eye out for further animal carvings on the front pew desks.

4) The Angel Screen

St Mary's Angel Screen is considered one of the finest in the country. Take a look on its eastern side for the fraternity stalls used by the guild of 'Our Blessed Lady St Mary the virgin', dating from the mid-15th century.

5) The 15th century font

The twelve apostles at its base were mutilated by Puritan soldiers in the Civil War.

With thanks to St Mary's Church website for the information

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Much-loved St Mary's Church in Hitchin has launched a £12k appeal in order to be able to live stream services on a permanent basis

If you would like to make a donation click here