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was built in the time of William the Conqueror It is 80 feet in height, of a quadrangular figure, and remarkable for its simplicity and solidity. The stone of which it is constructed abounds with small shells, that have acquired such hardness as to resist the attack of seven centuries. Westward of this church gate, near the foundation, are two curious basso relievos in stone, in good preservation, expressive of the fall of man, and his deliverance from bondage. One of these exhibits God the Father, with flowing hair and a long parted beard, sitting triumphantly within a circle.

The two churchyards of St. James and St. Mary, which are nearly one, are kept in excellent order an alley of lofty poplars runs diagonally across them, and forms a very pleasant promenade. Nearly in the centre, a small plot of ground enclosed with iron railing, contains the receptatacle provided by the late John Spink, esq. banker, of Bury, for him and his family, having over it a plain marble tablet. The remains of the west end of St. Edmund's church, which terminated the churchyard on one side, have lately exhibited a singular and motley spectacle. One of the octagon towers had been converted into a stable; three arches, once the entrance to the three aisles, have been filled up with modern buildings; still the intermediate rugged portions of the original wall are visibly distinguished.

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