Church of St Mary Magdalene, Keyworth

The Church of St Mary Magdalene stands in the village of Keyworth in Nottinghamshire. Built in the fourteenth century, it is one of the oldest buildings in the area. Nikolaus Pevsner, the noted architectural historian, described its tower as unique in the county. The church was restored in the 1870s by George Frederick Bodley, who replaced the roofs and rebuilt the chancel arch. Local craftsmen carried out much of the work, including Goliath Hitchcock who handled the stonework and Mr Crofts who completed the plastering and tiling. The church is worth visiting for its fine Victorian restoration and its collection of gifts from parishioners. Bodley’s work included a new stone floor, a south-west window and improved lighting throughout. The east window was donated by Burlison and Grylls, a firm known for their stained glass. The pulpit was given in memory of Mr R. T. Flinders, and the oak lectern came from Miss Burnside of Ratcliffe. The church also houses an early clock by Burlison and Grylls, installed in 1893. Inside, the church has a spacious nave with a restored chancel arch and a new stone floor. The south-west window lets in light over the seating area. The east window, with its intricate glasswork, draws the eye towards the altar. The pulpit and lectern stand as simple memorials to local people. The tower, singled out by Pevsner, rises above the village rooftops, marking the church as a landmark in Keyworth.