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. 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 always shone from the spire and was known as "The Lantern of Arden". This light was to guide travellers through the thick Forest of Arden which surrounded the area in those days. It was a magnificent building. The Church building was 185 feet long (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. There are now blocked doorways that can be seen both inside and outside of the Church. Unfortunately, lead was stolen from the spire, from the dreadful deeds of Adrian Stokes (Astley Castle household), which caused the spire to collapse, resulting in severe damage to the church building. In 1607 Astley Church was thankfully 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 included in the books "1000 Best Churches" and "The Buildings of England".
Timings & Tours
- Friday 12 September:
- 1000-1600
- Saturday 13 September:
- 1000-1600
- Sunday 14 September:
- 1000-1500
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
Access to the church building on foot fully accessible via South Door. Two small steps at main West Door access. Toilet facilities available in nearby Astley Village community Reading Room located in Castle Drive, Astley. Refreshments also available in the Astley Village Reading Room throughout the weekend. Astley Church is open alongside Astley Castle and all visitors very welcome.
Additional information
Main parking area is signposted in Astley Village, along Castle Drive, Astley (CV10 7QD). Parking also used for access to nearby Astley Castle which is also open for this event. Refreshments are available in Astley Village Reading Room throughout the Heritage Open Days event.
