Tamworth Civic Society

Admire the amazing architecture, character, & atmosphere of Tamworth's rich & diverse heritage through 1000 years from Anglo-Saxon burgh to modern town. Discover secrets & the story of our people. We are inviting you to take part in an epic tour of our district's attractions:
1) St. Editha's Church in the heart of Tamworth is the largest Parish Church in Staffordshire. The first Church was razed by attacking Danes in 874. Wonderful stained glass & marvellous heritage attributes.
The impressive 100 ft. tall Tower is open free offering a rare opportunity to ascend the 106 outer & 101 inner steps of the unique 600 year old double spiral staircase. 11am - 2pm. Enjoy stunning panoramic views. Enter the bell chamber. Hear the peal of ten bells, & try your skill at campanology.
2) A rare chance to discover ancient lovely Spital Chapel, a unique hidden haven of peace & place of pilgrimage, originally built in 1274 by Sir Philip de Marmion, who owned Tamworth Castle. 10am - 4pm. Warm Welcome. Ride & Stride.
3) Enjoy the Mini-Fete at Grade II Listed 1777 St. Leonard's Church in captivating Wigginton village, 2pm - 4pm. Ride & Stride. Stalls, games, refreshments.
4) Visit Grade II* St. Peter's Drayton Bassett Church, 3pm - 5pm, burial place of Sir Robert Peel of Drayton Manor, Prime Minister & founder of Police. Beautiful stained glass. 13th century heritage aspects. Tea, coffee, cake.
5) Kingsbury Church, SS. Peter & Paul, open 1pm - 4pm, History Display, Guided Tour 2pm, Tea, cake.

Timings

Saturday 12 September:

See above for times

Location & directions

St. Edithas Church, St. Edithas Close, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B79 7DA

Directions:

The Church of St. Editha is at the centre of Tamworth & visible from all directions. Spital Chapel is on the ancient route north out of town, & well hidden between the Wigginton & Ashby Roads, B79 8RH. Continue north to the lovely village for Wigginton Church, B79 9DT. Drayton Bassett Church, in the countryside to the South West at B78 3TY. Go south for Kingsbury Church, B78 2LR.

Contact on day:

TDCS

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

St. Editha's Church is large & spacious. Everyone is welcome. The Tower is old & narrow and the double helix staircase has 100s of steps, so those ascending & descending need to be fit with no health or mobility restrictions. Children under 8 years old cannot be admitted to the Tower; those under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For details of other venues please check with them. These are all ancient sites with associated possible restrictions on accessibility. Please check our media & socials for announcements, updates, & further details.

Additional information

The Borough Council stopped supporting HODs in 2018. Tamworth Civic Society steps up to ensure the continuation of this important national event. We at TDCS again proudly organise & co-ordinate Heritage Open Day for Tamworth & District. Lots to see & do in our educational, enlightening, entertaining events. History Displays. Guided tours. Tamworth Tower open for rare opportunity to climb the double spiral staircase free of charge. We are delighted that historic Spital Chapel, Wigginton, Drayton Bassett, & Kingsbury all join us to welcome visitors for an absorbing & fascinating day.

Check out our online channels

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