Discovering St Marys Church, Luton (Sat am)

St Marys Church has stood at the heart of Luton for some 1200 years, the present building for 900 years. Wooden churches stood hereabouts for the first 300 years. Construction of the stone church began in 1121, its was consecrated in 1135, and by around 1400 the structure you see now was pretty much in place.

The church is Luton's only Grade 1 listed building, is regarded as one of the finer medieval churches in England, and has been described as Luton's Medieval Jewel. Simon Jenkins notes the church and its surrounding churchyard easily belies the grim surroundings (though things have and are changing) and speaks of the inside as "big white and elegant, a challenge to its surroundings." He goes on to say "the two richest periods of English architecture, the 15th and 19th, are in glorious harmony."

The tour will take in the main features of the church, including it's tiny and rare Barnard Chantry (possibly a "Leper Chapel"); its Baptistry, one of the finest font canopies in England; the graceful Wenlock Screen; and the beautiful Magnificat Window. There will be plenty of time to ask questions as well as to take pictures both inside and outside the church.

The building is very well maintained thanks to major fund raising work of the “Friends of Luton Parish Church” who over the past 50 years have funded major projects as well as ongoing restoration of the stonework.

The church is home to a flourishing congregation, is open for worship on Sundays, as well as on Wednesday mornings, and it can normally be accessed by calling at the church office during office hours.

Host or Publisher Peter Adams