“Tutbury Day” at St. Mary’s Priory Church, Tutbury in Staffordshire has a long history, stretching back 934 years, with its origins in the arrival of the Normans!
Arrival: Henry de Ferrers was one of the 12 families who had come over from Normandy with William the Conqueror in 1066. In return for his support, William rewarded him with lands in Staffordshire, Derbyshire and parts of Cheshire.
Founding of the Church: Henry built Tutbury Castle and then later the Church, “in honour of Holy Mary, King William and Queen Matilda, for my father and mother, my wife, my sons and my daughters”.
The Church was commenced in 1080 at the east end and, by 1089, there was sufficient built for the Consecration, which took place on 15th August 1089 – the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven. For the last 934 years, this date has been kept as TUTBURY DAY.
Hence the name of the Church, The Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin, reflects the dedication to Our Lady.
The Church was completed circa 1160 with the construction of the West Door, the outside of which is worthy of a small Cathedral.
The Priory: In 1125 the Priory was Founded and 25 monks of the Order of Benedict were invited over to start a Priory at the Church, requiring new Priory buildings to be added. The Mother House was in St Pierre-sur-Dives (25m southeast of Caen) in Normandy.
Mediaeval Fair: In Medieval times there was a fair held for Tutbury Day. The fair was very grand with many market traders; the village shops were prohibited from opening all week.
There was an abundance of entertainment including jugglers, jesters, minstrels, side shows, bear baiting, bull-running and much merry‑making, including much quaffing of ale.
Today: After 934 years, Tutbury Day is still celebrated, albeit in not quite so ‘robust’ a fashion.
History of the Priory Church: from its founding through to today, via the Dissolution of the Monasteries, there is a long and complex history of the unique Tutbury Priory Church.
For further information, talk to Rick or Jane Nuth, rickandjane@nuth.me.uk
The Rev. Timothy Ganz said that the beautiful
Tutbury Priory Church of St. Mary’s is:
“Victorian flesh….
…on Norman bones”