St Mary's Church, Luton

St Mary’s Church stands in the centre of Luton, a town in the east of England. It is an Anglican church more than nine centuries old, rebuilt and enlarged many times. The present building is one of the largest in Bedfordshire and shows fine medieval work. It is the only Grade I listed building in Luton. The church belongs to the Diocese of St Albans. The church began as a small Saxon building in about 930. Robert, Earl of Gloucester, built the main structure in 1121 and it was consecrated in 1137. In the 13th century aisles were added to hold growing congregations. A tower, transepts and a vaulted sacristy followed in the 14th century. The Wenlock and Hoo chapels date from the 15th century, with monuments to local families. Restoration in the 19th and 20th centuries added flint-and-stone chequerwork and new facilities. Inside, the cruciform plan is clear, with north–south aisles and several chapels. A unique octagonal font canopy survives from the 14th century. The Wenlock Chapel contains tombs of the Wenlock family. The 1901 clock, restored in 1999, chimes on four bells. The graveyard beside the church is closed, but Luton Church Cemetery lies a mile away on St Anne’s Hill.