On an isolated chalk hillock with fine views from its churchyard, St Mary’s is a noble landmark in the vale of Aylesbury; it has a massive 14th-century limestone tower and the rest is to scale.
Inside, it is a treasure house of delights, including: medieval woodwork (including a complete chancel screen); amazing Victorian wallpaintings and stained glass; a slender pulpit with a superbly carved 4-tier tester; choir desks and stalls.
There is also a collection of carved wooden misericords. These little ledges, for people to rest on during long prayers, are decorated with fantastical carved creatures ? look out for the stern-faced mermaid suckling a lion and the two-headed beast with ferocious claws.