St Mary’s Church has stood at the heart of Luton for some 1200 years, the present building for 900 years. Two, possibly three, wooden churches stood hereabouts for the first 300 years. Construction of the stone church began in 1121, it was consecrated in 1135, and by around 1400 the structure you see now was pretty much in place. The church was substantially renewed during the late 1800s, resulting in what Simon Jenkins describes as “the two richest periods of English architecture, the 15th and 19th, … in glorious harmony.”
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.
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.