Church of St Mary

St Mary’s Church stands in Tutbury, a village in Staffordshire’s West Midlands. The oldest part, the west front, dates from about 1160–1170. Monks from Tutbury Priory once shared the building with the parish. Most of the nave was rebuilt in the 13th century. After the Reformation the eastern section, used by the monks, was removed along with the priory. A south tower was added in the 16th century, and the north aisle followed in 1820–21. The church is worth visiting for its layered history and fine craftsmanship. George Edmund Street redesigned the chancel and sanctuary in 1866 with funds from Sir Oswald Mosley. The tower holds eight bells, four of which were cast in 1699. Inside, a memorial to George Robinson from 1837 was carved by Joseph Hall of Derby. Seven Commonwealth war graves lie in the churchyard. Inside, visitors find the nave rebuilt in the 13th century and the later chancel by Street. The William Hill organ from 1860 has been rebuilt three times, most recently in 1980. The tower’s bells still ring, and the Robinson memorial stands near the west door. Outside, the churchyard holds war graves from two world wars.