Church of Saint Andrew

The Church of St Andrew stands in the centre of Rugby, a market town in Warwickshire. It is a Grade II* listed building with medieval origins, rebuilt in the 13th or 14th century and later enlarged during the Victorian era. The church is unusual for having two peals of bells in separate towers, one dating back to 1711 and the other cast in 1896. Its West tower, resembling a castle structure, may have served a defensive purpose and is Rugby’s oldest building. The church retains medieval artefacts like a 13th-century parish chest and a medieval font. The church was extensively rebuilt in the late 19th century under architect William Butterfield, who preserved only the West tower and North nave arcade. The East tower, added in 1895, reaches 55 metres with a spire and houses a peal of eight bells. The interior features polychromatic tiles, a painted ceiling, and stained glass by Clayton and Bell. Notable additions include a mosaic by Antonio Salviati and wrought iron screens by Alec Miller. Visitors find a spacious interior with cream and red stone pillars, a high painted ceiling, and intricate stained glass. The Lady Chapel contains a statue of the Madonna and Child, while the high altar has a painted reredos. The church’s East tower and spire echo Butterfield’s other works, such as Adelaide Cathedral. It remains an active parish church in the liberal catholic tradition of the Church of England.