Geograph - photograph every grid square

The church as it stands dates basically to the latter part of the 14th century with extensions c.1500. It largely replaced an earlier 13th century building, of which the only surviving section is the lower stages of the west tower. The church was throughout most of its existence more or less the private chapel of the owners of Strelley Hall, the de Strelley family between the 12th century and 1678, and then the Edge family until 1978.

The church consists of an aisled nave, and chancel with north and south transepts, west tower and south porch. The transepts are likely to have served in effect as chantry chapels.

The 14th century rebuilding was the work of Sir Sampson de Strelley, possibly in recognition of having survived the Black Death of the mid 14th century.

The clerestory, parts of the chancel and the upper parts of the tower followed around 1500, and the church is therefore in an essentially consistent Perpendicular style.

Inside the church, the only exception to the Perpendicular style is the 13th century tower arch.

Although the stonework is generally plain, the church is blessed with interesting fitments, etc.

The late 15th century rood screen with fan-traceried loft is an excellent example of its kind. Of similar date are some of the panels of the pulpit, although there is evidence of restoration, and surviving misericords in the chancel are of probably earlier, 14th century, date. The 14th century font is of an unusual design with a gallery of lancets surround a central column supporting the plain octagonal bowl.

Of real importance are the Strelley family monuments in the chancel. In the centre, but probably not in its original location is the altar monument to Sir Sampson de Strelley (d.1395) and his wife Elizabeth (d.1405). The two effigies and the tomb itself are carved from alabaster, probably from Chellaston near Derby. There is no surviving inscription, and because the knight himself is portrayed in armour of slightly later design than his death, there is speculation that it might be his son Sir Nicholas. However, it is most likely that the tomb was requested by his wife and that the sculptor simply portrayed the current style of armour. A very unusual feature of the effigies is that they are portrayed holding hands rather than the hands being in the normal position of prayer. Overall the detail of dress and armour of both effigies is exceptional.

In a niche in the north wall of the chancel is a very similar tomb for Sir John de Strelley (d.1501) and his wife Sanchia (d.1500), also in alabaster. The niche forms a tall ornate stone canopy in late Perpendicular style which obscures the lower part of the north window. It includes figures of St. John the Baptist, the Saviour and St John the Evangelist together with angels bearing family shields. Overall, this tomb is considered to be finest of its type in the world. The effigy of Sir Jhn includes a pair of weepers at his feet, while that of Sanchia has either side of her head the miniature figures of their twin children who died young. There is a separate slab commemorating the children.

The church was restored and refitted in 1885, including new pews and the screen between the chancel and the transepts. The roofs also date from this period. Towards the end of the 19th century the chancel was rearranged, and the transept west screens installed. Otherwise the fabric of the church was little alter in the Victorian period.

A further feature of the church is the old stained glass. Although somewhat fragementary – there are no complete windows -, there is a good selection of items dating from the 14th century through to the late 17th century. Some of the items are believed to have been brought by Thomas Webb Edge (1756-1819) from Shirburn in Warwickshire.

The church is Listed Grade I
Link

For more information about this church, visit the Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project Link

Visitors to the church will find excellent guidebooks to the church, from which much of the above information has been drawn, and also in full detail to the stained glass.

Created: Tue, 23 Sep 2025, Updated: Tue, 23 Sep 2025