Church of St Mary Coslany

About

St Mary Coslany is a historic parish church located on St Mary's Plain in the Coslany area of Norwich, Norfolk. It is situated between Oak Street and Pitt Street, occupying a slightly elevated position on a low ridge north of the historically marshy area known as the Muspol. The church is notable for being the only surviving medieval round-tower church in the city of Norwich; while the tower of St Benedict's remains as a ruin and St Julian's is a modern reconstruction, St Mary's tower stands intact alongside its nave.

The church is believed to be of Saxon origin, predating the Norman Conquest, serving the early settlement of Coslany. Records confirm the church was in existence by at least 1175 to 1186. Much of the church's history regarding its internal furnishings and liturgical goods during the English Reformation is recorded in a certificate and inventory dated 4 October 1552 (6 Edward VI), which was presented to the Bishop of Norwich and royal commissioners.