the church includes many features, but of especial note is its association with saint john kemble, who was a missionary in monmouthshire and herefordshire. he was martyred for his faith at hereford on 22 august 1679 and lies buried at nearby welsh newton. the marches were an area where the old faith continued long after the reformation, and many of the local big houses gave sanctuary to catholic services conducted clandestinely by priests who could suffer extreme penalties if they were discovered. the parish of st mary's organises a pilgrimage to st john kemble's tomb on the sunday nearest to the date of his martyrdom. the church also includes an altar dedicated to the saint's memory, which was used for the celebration of mass during penal times at pembridge castle: this consists of two benches that could be separated to disguise its purpose. these historic buildings were refurbished in 2009/2010.