St Mary the Virgin, Astley Church
1 Post Office Row, Castle Drive, Astley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7QS
Astley Church was built in 1343 by Sir Thomas Astley and he called it “my fair and beautiful Collegiate church”. The church was built in the form of a cross and a central tower which had a lead covered spire. After dark a light was always shone from the spire and known as “The Lantern of Arden”. This light was to guide traveller's through the thick Forest of Arden which surrounded the area in those days. It was a magnificent building. The Nave extended about ninety feet (as far as the present main gate) to the West of the Tower. The Nave of the present church was the Chancel of the collegiate church. There were also two monumental Chapels, one to the North side and one to the South side. There are now blocked doorways that can be seen both inside and outside of the church. Unfortunately, lead was stolen from the spire which caused the spire to collapse resulting in severe damage to the church building. In 1607 the church was restored by Sir Richard Chamberlayne to its present form.
The church has local connections with three Queens of England, Elizabeth Woodville, Elizabeth of York and Lady Jane Grey. The writer Mary Ann Evans 'George Eliot' was born on nearby Arbury Estate and in her book 'Scenes of Clerical Life' Astley Church is Knebley Church and the interior is beautifully described in this book. Astley Church is also mentioned in the books "1000 Best Churches" and "The Buildings of England". Astley Church is truly special and still a much loved active place of worship.
Timings & Tours
- Friday 06 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 07 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 08 September:
- 1000-1430. (Sunday service starts at 1530)
Location & directions
1 Post Office Row, Castle Drive, Astley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 7QS
- Directions:
- Entrance to churchyard at end of Post Office Row. Turn right into the churchyard and Astley Church will be there.
- Contact on day:
- Jeanette Sutton
- Telephone number:
- +447947576919
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Doorway access to church building fully accessible via South Door. Two small steps at West Door access. Toilet facilities available in nearby village community Reading Room located in Castle Drive, Astley. Refreshments also available in the Reading Room on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th September 2024.
