ASTLEY
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The Church of St Mary at Astley, 5 miles North-East of Meriden, is the remains of an enormous collegiate church.
The collegiate church was established in 1343, but after the dissolution in the 1540's fell into disrepair and part collapsed. |  |
| The church originally extended from the building shown here, to as far as the cottages visible in the distance. The nave of the present church was just the chancel of the original. (terms used in church architecture.) |  |
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Astley Church is situated alongside Astley Castle, of which just ruins and a dry moat remain today.
The castle was home to the Grey family. Three women who married kings or became queen lived at Astley Castle: Elizabeth Woodville, who became wife of Edward IV; Elizabeth of York, who married Henry VII; and Lady Jane Grey, the Nine-Days-Queen. The building was used as a hotel until 1978 when it was gutted by fire. |
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Among many items of interest in Astley Church are (faded) paintings of the apostles and prophets on the wood panelling behind the pews (just visible in the photo), passages from scripture painted on the walls, and alibaster effigies of the Grey family.
Despite its treasures, the feeling in this church is one of austerity. The plain glass windows contribute to the light and simplicity. |
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Behind the altar is this triptych.
This church is normally kept locked, but the sergeant lives in one the cottages near the church, and is very willing to open the building to any interested visitors. |
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