St Mary's Church, Garthorpe
Leicestershire
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About this church
A silvery-grey tower amongst the trees
Standing in a churchyard edged with trees, this beautiful Medieval church was built largely in the fourteenth century.
The tower is of Lincolnshire limestone built in the Perpendicular style, but the rest of the church is largely built of local ironstone.
The interior was tastefully restored in the Victorian era - look for the nineteenth-century altar screen with its Crucifixion painting.
Following funding success from the Heritage Stimulus Fund, essential work to the roof has now been completed and the church has been reopened for visitors.
A maternity colony of Natterers Bats roosts in the church during the summer months, along with Brown Eared Bats that are also known to roost inside the church. The bats cause a significant ammount of mess within the church, especially during the bat breeding season.
A contribution can be made towards the conservation of the church by texting GAR to 70970 to donate £5, or 70191 to donate £10. Thank you for your support.
Access information
Access off B676, on road parking available on Melton Road off B676. Sloped churchyard with grass path, step up into church.
Volunteering opportunities
CCT has always valued the support that local people provide to their churches. Now more than ever, this support is critical in keeping these historic churches vibrant and open for their communities. Find out in this section how can support your local church, be it as a one-off or regular time commitment here: Find out more about volunteering opportunities at CCT.
Facilities & hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings only a small number have heating, running water and toilet facilities.The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church available for hire
- Opportunities to volunteer
Directions
5 miles north east of Melton Mowbray in village of Garthorpe, off B676 Saxby Road
OS Grid Reference: SK 831 209
What3words: ocean.ranges.divisible
Transport
Nearest railway station: Melton Mowbray (5.1 miles)
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.
Garthorpe St. Mary - Your Church Tour
Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, and Rutland County Guide 2012
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Derbyshire, Liecestershire, Nottinghamshire & Rutland. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
Community information
All our Leicestershire churches are in our North region.
- 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
