Birkin - St Mary

Birkin was already referred to as Birchinge in the Domesday Book, so there were probably many birch trees in the area. Today the village has a population of just over 100 and has a well-known butcher's shop.

St Mary's Church dates from around 1150 and survives largely intact. A south aisle was added in the 14th century, when the top stage of the tower was also added.

The church is built of limestone with a stone slate roof, and has a wooden porch. It consists of a two-bay nave with a south aisle, a chancel and apse, and a west tower.