Church of St Mary Magdelene, Stapleford
Leicestershire
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About this Church
A tasteful church with fabulous family tombs
The best time to visit this elegant, eighteenth-century Gothic Revival church is in the spring, when the path to the church winds through a carpet of flowers and the blossom on the trees creates a magical setting. But at any time of year, the setting in the fine landscape of Stapleford Park is memorable.
The church was built by the fourth Earl of Harborough. It has a tall, gracious tower, and above its entrance is a carving in the shape of a peacock's tail, the family crest. Its cool, spacious, light interior has pretty plasterwork and oak pews that face each other across the aisle.
Across the west end is an oak gallery which served as the Earl's family pew, with a private fireplace for their comfort. The monuments are magnificent - the finest, by famous Flemish-born sculptor Rysbrack, shows the first Earl in a Roman toga with his wife and young son. Opposite is a seventeenth-century tomb chest to Lord Sherrard, showing his eight children at prayer.
A contribution can be made towards the conservation of the church by texting STA to 70970 to donate £5, or 70191 to donate £10. Thank you for your support
Access information
Access is on the private estate of Stapleford Park with car parking permitted on designated car parks beyond the church to the right.
There are four steep and slippery steps up to west door.
Disabled access information
Steps up into churchyard and church.
Facilities & Hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church Available for Hire
History & Further Information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
St Mary Magdelene Stapleford Guidebook
Derbyshire Leicestershire Nottinghamshire Rutland County Guide
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire & Rutland . Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Directions
3 miles east of Melton Mowbray off B676; follow signs to Stapleford Park; turn into Stapleford Park and follow signs to the church
Transport
Nearest railway station: Melton Mowbray (3.7 miles). Closest bus route number RF2
Community Information
Useful local links:
- Go Leicestershire tourism website
- Leicestershire County Council website history section
- Leicestershire & Rutland Family History Society
- Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society
- Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust
- List of churches in Leicestershire
- Leicestershire is in the Diocese of Leicester