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. Since then, 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 to start a Priory at the Church, requiring new Priory buildings to be added. The Monks were from the Mother House in St Pierre-sur-Dives (25m southeast of Caen) in Normandy.
The Second Baron’s War: In 1264 Robert de Ferrers, 6th Earl of Derby, foolishly joined the Baron’s war against King Henry III. The result was that de Ferrers lost all his lands and wealth (taken by the King) which became the foundation of the wealth of the Duchy of Lancaster. During the rebellion much of the South Aisle of the Church was demolished and not restored for another 50 years, during which time the Church was said to be derelict.
The Victorians: In the Victorian period, the North Aisle was rebuilt (badly), the floor was raised 2 1/2 feet, a new roof was added and the Apse was rebult (amongst other things).
The 20th Century: The South Door was ‘re-opened’, the Lady Chapel built, many War Memroials added and the floored lowered again.
Today: After 934 years, Tutbury Day is still celebrated, albeit in not quite so ‘robust’ a fashion.
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”