St Mary the Virgin, Astley Church was built in 1343 by Sir Thomas Astley, living at Astley Castle, as a Collegiate Church where Monks and Priests would sing for the souls of his family. The church was originally cruciform in shape which consisted of a Nave leading to the Tower with a Spire and had Chapels either side of the Chancel. A light would shine from the Spire to guide people through the surrounding forrest and was known as the “Lantorn of Arden”. Sadly the church spire collapsed into the Tower, due to lead being stolen from the roof and the adjoining buildings were severly damaged. In 1607 Sir Richard Chamberlayne, then living in Astley Castle, repaired and restored Astley Church into the village church in use today. The previous Chancel is now the Nave and the new Chancel was created in the resoration work of 1607. The Church still holds a great deal of historic treasures and gems and is pleased to open its doors to visitors during open days and Heritage Weekends and worshippers are very welcome to Sunday Services.
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St Mary the Virgin, Astley Church was built in 1343 by Sir Thomas Astley, living at Astley Castle, as a Collegiate Church where Monks and Priests would sing for the souls of his family. The church was originally cruciform in shape which consisted of a Nave leading to the Tower with a Spire and had Chapels either side of the Chancel. A light would shine from the Spire to guide people through the surrounding forrest and was known as the “Lantorn of Arden”. Sadly the church spire collapsed into the Tower, due to lead being stolen from the roof and the adjoining buildings were severly damaged. In 1607 Sir Richard Chamberlayne, then living in Astley Castle, repaired and restored Astley Church into the village church in use today. The previous Chancel is now the Nave and the new Chancel was created in the resoration work of 1607. The Church still holds a great deal of historic treasures and gems and is pleased to open its doors to visitors during open days and Heritage Weekends and worshippers are very welcome to Sunday Services.
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