St Edith's Church, Monks Kirby
Millers Lane, Monks Kirby, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0QX
The first church on the site of St Edith’s is said to have been founded in 917 by Ethelfleda, daughter of Alfred the Great. However, the current Priory Church of St Edith’s dates from 1077 when Geoffrey de la Guerche, a Breton knight rebuilt the church and gave it as a priory to the Benedictine Abbey of St Nicolas in Anjou in France, naming it in honour of the Virgin Mary and St Denis. In 2017, we will therefore celebrate the 940th anniversary of St Edith’s Church.
In 1266, Henry III granted the monks a fair at Midsummer and a weekly market. The church (nave and tower) was substantially rebuilt in around 1380. The porch and priest’s room above is also 14th century. In 1415, Henry V transferred the priory to the Carthusians of the Isle of Axholme, Lincolnshire. The 100 years war with France also resulted in the dedication of the church being changed to St Edith of Polesworth, a Warwickshire Saint. The church was again altered in the late fifteenth century, and an octagonal spire was added: this blew down on Christmas night in 1722. In the reformation, King Henry VIII confiscated the assets of the priory, granting the manor of Monks Kirby to the Bishop of Ipswich, and the rectory and the advowson of the vicarage to his (the King's) foundation of Trinity College Cambridge in December 1546. The interior of the church was restored in Victorian times: the Baptistry windows are by Hardman and date from Victorian times, as do the other stained glass windows.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 07 September:
- 14:00-15:30 free guided tours
- Sunday 08 September:
- 14:00-16:00 have a go at bell-ringing and climb the tower; 14:00-15:30 free guided tours
- Saturday 14 September:
- 14:00-15:30 free guided tours
- Sunday 15 September:
- 14:00-16:00 - have a go at bell-ringing and climb the tower; 14:00-15:30 free guided tours
Location & directions
Millers Lane, Monks Kirby, Rugby, Warwickshire, CV23 0QX
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Disabled visitors requiring ramp access will need to contact the churchwarden on 01788 832887 to request access to the church. We have accessible toilets on site.
Additional information
Have a go at bell-ringing and climb the church tower on Sunday 8th September 2-4pm and Sunday 15th September 2-4pm The church is open daily for visitors: children's church trail is available and Lego model of St Edith's Church on display through the HOD period. As well as in person guided tours (exact dates/times tbc), visitors can self-direct their exploration by downloading our V-Box app and access a virtual guided tour. This includes a 360 degrees tour of the church and tower (for those unable to climb up to the top).
- Max no of people per tour:
- 10
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
