On August 16, 1944, during World War II, this church in Little Chart, dedicated to Saint Mary, suffered a devastating blow when it was struck by a German V-1 flying bomb, also known as a “doodlebug.” These bombs were dropped all over Southern Britain, and many churches and other buildings were destroyed. The attack left the church in ruins, with only the damaged tower and parts of the chancel wall surviving. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident. In 1955, a new church was constructed closer to the village to replace the destroyed building. The ivy-covered ruins of the original church remain and are preserved as a heritage site, offering a poignant reminder of the village’s resilience and history.
