The Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, High Pavement, Nottingham - a contribution by Brian Taylor

This website was inspired by a period in the mid-1990's, when my wife, and later both of us, helped to staff the small Visitor shop in St Mary's Church in the Lace Market area of Nottingham. Then for several months in 1996-97, I filled the breach caused by illness of the then Verger. In that role, I was able to greet many visitors with a "Welcome to the Civic and Parish Church of St. Mary the Virgin, Nottingham". Their universal admiration for one of England's great churches, situated in the heart of the earliest area of a historic city, inspired me to learn all I could of the building and its history. So, similarly -

"Welcome to you, as a virtual visitor"!

 

I hope you enjoy this magnificent place of worship as much as we have.

St. Mary's is the oldest religious foundation in Nottingham and the current church is at least the third on the site. Building work commenced around 1377, with the west end of the nave being completed around 1475 and the tower shortly afterwards. Externally, apart from the Lady Chapel added to the south of the Chancel in 1912, and the lower structures of the choir vestry and associated rooms, the main structure now appears much as it did in the early sixteenth century.

Many visitors come to the "Lace Market" expecting to find a physical building but the name comes from the establishment in 1863 of the Nottingham Lace Market, or Chamber of Commerce, which was opened at the Corn Exchange (where the modern Council House now stands). The name simply refers to the area where the many lace manufacturers and warehouses were located. Few now remain and perhaps the name should revert to the ancient St Mary's Hill.

Note that my writings are an interpretation of personal research. Inevitably, this can be no more than partially complete, as historical sources are diverse both in nature and in where they now can be found. Also reliance on other people's investigations, translations and interpretations carries the danger of perpetuating errors. I hope, nevertheless, that my contribution will be seen only as that - a contribution - which may help to strengthen the knowledge and appreciation of a truly great dedication to Our Lord.

Lily Crucifix of ca. 1413, North Transept tomb chest

Plan of St Mary's as completed in the fifteenth century, plus additions and restoration works

Modern Plan

The church is normally open for visitors during the week from Tuesday to Sunday. Visitors are advised to check with the official St Mary's Church website and the Parish Office for opening times. The website also has a short history, plus links leading to more information on the Vicars, the Music, The Organ and Organists, and illustrations of some of the numerous Gargoyles. Details also are provided as to how to join the Friends of St. Mary's. The "Organs" book and cassette tape are available from the church shop.

click for a brief sample of the St Mary's Choir - "Alleluia. I heard a voice"

Photograph taken on the occasion of the Celebration of the Centenary of the Charter of the City of Nottingham (Churchwarden, Dr John Whittle, left; Vicar Eddie Neale, centre; the author as Verger, right).

Note - This site has been compiled and written as an exercise in historical research with the sole objective of furthering the knowledge of this great church. The many illustrations range from personal original work to extracts, many adapted, from historic material and the sources are indicated in all cases.

St. Mary's, Nottingham, Home Page. Compiled by Brian Taylor, published September 2000      Comments to dr.brian.taylor@ntlworld.com

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