Annesley Old Church

Annesley Old Church stands on a grassy mound near Annesley Hall in Nottinghamshire. The stone remains include a roofless west tower, nave and chancel, with a large 14th-century lady chapel to the south. The lady chapel, known as the Felley Chantry, once held three fine sedilia and a piscina, and a large east window with reticulated stone tracery. The surrounding graveyard contains mainly 17th- and 18th-century grave markers. The site is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument. The present church was built in 1356 by the Annesley family to replace a Norman building. In 1686 Patrick Chaworth, 3rd Viscount Chaworth, added a flight of steps and carved his coat of arms on the tower wall. Services continued until 1942, when the new All Saints’ Church was consecrated nearby. The old church then fell into disrepair until a 2012 restoration made it safe for visitors. The Heritage Lottery Fund provided £450,000 to support conservation and public access. Visitors find the roofless tower and nave open to the sky, with the lady chapel’s east window still standing. The graveyard holds weathered headstones from past centuries. The site hosts community events and activities. Lord Byron and D. H. Lawrence both mention the church in their writings. The restored ruins offer a quiet place to walk among the remains of a long history.