St Mary's Church, Tutbury facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Mary’s Church, Tutbury |
|
|---|---|
| The Priory Church of St Mary, Tutbury | |
The tower of St Mary’s Church, Tutbury
|
|
| 52°51′31.68″N 1°41′18.11″W / 52.8588000°N 1.6883639°W | |
| Location | Tutbury, Staffordshire |
| Country | England |
| Denomination | Church of England |
| Website | stmarystutbury.org |
| History | |
| Dedication | St Mary the Virgin |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I listed |
| Designated | 1964 |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Tutbury |
| Deanery | Tutbury |
| Archdeaconry | Stoke-on-Trent |
| Diocese | Diocese of Lichfield |
St Mary's Church in Tutbury, Staffordshire, is a very old and important church. It is a parish church for the local community and belongs to the Church of England. This church is so special that it is listed as a Grade I listed building. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in England.
Contents
A Look at the Church's History
St Mary's Church has a long and interesting past. The oldest part you can still see today is the western front of the building. It was built a very long time ago, between 1160 and 1170.
For many centuries, the church was used by monks from Tutbury Priory, which was a monastery next door. It also served as the main church for the people of Tutbury village. The monastery itself was built a little after the church.
Changes Over the Centuries
Most of the main part of the church, called the nave, was rebuilt in the 1200s. Later, during a big change in England called the Reformation, the part of the church used by the monks was taken down. The monastery buildings were also removed at this time.
The tall tower on the south side of the church was added in the 1500s. Much later, in the 1820s, a new section called the north aisle was built. Then, in 1866, the front parts of the church, known as the chancel and sanctuary, were replaced. This work was paid for by a wealthy local person, Sir Oswald Mosley.
Special Features and Memorials
Inside the church, you can find a special memorial dedicated to George Robinson, who passed away in 1837. This memorial was created by an artist named Joseph Hall from Derby.
The churchyard outside is also a place of remembrance. It holds the war graves of seven soldiers from the Commonwealth. Five of these soldiers fought in World War I, and two were from World War II.
The Church Bells
The tower of St Mary's Church holds a set of eight bells. Four of these bells are very old, dating all the way back to 1699! The largest bell, called the tenor, weighs a bit more than 10 hundredweight (which is about 500 kilograms or 1,120 pounds).
The Church Organ
St Mary's Church also has a musical instrument called an organ. This organ was built by a person named Charles Lloyd. It was later rebuilt in the 1930s to keep it in good working order. You can find more details about this organ on the National Pipe Organ Register website.
Picture Gallery
-
The old Norman West Doorway, Tutbury Church.
-
The arch of the South Doorway, showing a carving of a boar hunt.
See also
- Grade I listed buildings in Staffordshire
- Listed buildings in Tutbury
