St Mary's Church, Bunny

St Mary’s Church stands in the quiet village of Bunny, Nottinghamshire. The present building dates from the 14th century, though work paused in 1350 when plague reached the village. Later restorations took place in 1718, 1890–91 and 1911, each leaving its mark on the stonework. The nave and aisles are built of rough rubble, while the chancel and tower use neatly squared stone. Inside, a 14th-century oak screen divides the space and the vestry still holds a medieval aumbry for sacred vessels. The 15th-century south porch has stone benches along its walls. The church is notable for its collection of memorials to the Parkyns family and others. Wall tablets in the east chancel record George Augustus Henry Anne Parkyns (1830) and Thomas Boothby Parkyns (1800). Sir Thomas Parkyns (d.1806) is commemorated by a monument by John Bacon, while Dame Anne Parkyns (1725) was carved by Edward Poynton. Earlier names include Richard Parkyns (1603) and Humphrey Barley (1571), whose inscription has been worn away. The north aisle also contains a memorial designed by Sir Thomas Parkyns himself in 1741. Visitors find a simple nave with box pews and the 1909 J. W. Walker organ, rebuilt in 1916 by Charles Lloyd. The organ’s specification survives in the National Pipe Organ Register. Arthur Smedley served as organist from 1948 to 1965 before moving to St Nicholas Church in Nottingham. The churchyard is calm, with mature trees framing the 14th-century tower. It remains in a joint parish with churches at Bradmore, Keyworth and Stanton on the Wolds.