2021

SP2864 : Repairs to the tower, St Mary's Church, Warwick

taken 3 years ago, near to Warwick, Warwickshire, England

Repairs to the tower, St Mary's Church, Warwick
Repairs to the tower, St Mary's Church, Warwick
The church was completed in 1704, just ten years after the old church (and much of the town) was largely destroyed in the Great Fire of Warwick, 1694. This view is from the top of Church Street; for pedestrians there is a 'tunnel' through to Old Square SP2864 : Pedestrian 'tunnel' near St Mary's Church, Warwick, during repairs.
The centre of Warwick

Warwick is among the smallest of Britain's county towns. Had it not been for the Great Fire of Warwick in 1694, the centre of the town today might look like Stratford-upon-Avon or Henley-in-Arden with their abundant black-and-white timber-framed buildings. The fire began in a baker's shop (as did the Great Fire of London) and spread rapidly. It caused damage estimated at £90,000 and made 250 families homeless. In the Georgian period the centre of the town was rebuilt in brick and stone; some street lines were altered. Old Square, for example, was laid out to provide a better approach and setting for St Mary's Church. Further changes were brought about by the extension of Warwick Castle gardens.

Much of St Mary's Church had been destroyed in the Great Fire. Completed around 1394 it succeeded a Norman foundation which in all likelihood replaced a Saxon church. After the fire St Mary's was rebuilt in stone quarried from the churchyard although the planned tower, showing early signs of failure, was rebuilt to the west in a harder sandstone from nearby Shrewley. The siting creates a focal point in the views down Northgate Street and up Church Street. The church was completed by 1706, a light and lofty Georgian interpretation of the mediaeval style. The tower at 53 metres high (174 feet) is both a landmark and a fine viewpoint.


Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Robin Stott and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.
Geographical Context: Lowlands Historic sites and artefacts Religious sites City, Town centre Construction, Development Postcode District: CV34 Place: Warwick other tags: Church Tower Repairs Scaffolding Click a tag, to view other nearby images.
1:50,000 Modern Day Landranger(TM) Map © Crown Copyright
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1:50,000 Modern Day Landranger(TM) Map © Crown Copyright
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Grid Square
SP2864, 1357 images   (more nearby 🔍)
Photographer
Robin Stott   (more nearby)
Date Taken
Tuesday, 7 September, 2021   (more nearby)
Submitted
Sunday, 3 October, 2021
Subject Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SP 2817 6497 [10m precision]
WGS84: 52:16.9294N 1:35.3095W
Camera Location
OSGB36: geotagged! SP 28192 64949
View Direction
North-northwest (about 337 degrees)
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Image Type (about): geograph 
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