# St Mary's Church, Barnsley, Gloucestershire

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is an Anglican parish church located in Barnsley, Gloucestershire. It is a Grade II* listed building, notable for its Norman origins and subsequent Gothic additions. The church continues to serve as a place of worship for the local community and is an integral part of Barnsley's historical and architectural heritage. It is situated a short walk from Barnsley House.

## History

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin was founded in the 12th century, during the Norman period. While the church has undergone several phases of restoration and renovation, it retains many of its original Norman features, particularly in the nave and chancel.
The church was significantly altered during the 14th and 15th centuries. Additions included the tower and the expansion of the chancel. The church underwent further restoration in the 19th century. It was thoroughly restored by James Park Harrison in 1843-47

## Architecture

The church’s architecture is a blend of Norman and Gothic styles, reflecting the changes it has undergone over the centuries. Some of the key architectural features include:
* A sturdy, square Norman west tower, constructed from locally quarried limestone.
* The original Norman nave walls, which feature small, round-arched windows.
* Gothic elements in the chancel and porch, added in the 14th century.
* The finely carved 14th-century arch that separates the nave from the chancel, showcasing the shift to Gothic architecture.
The roof is of stone slate with coped verges and cross finials. Inside, the church retains several important historical features, including a 12th-century baptismal font and medieval stonework in the nave and chancel.

## Interior

The interior of the Church of St. Mary the Virgin is simple yet elegant, reflecting its Norman origins and later Gothic enhancements. Notable features include a 12th-century Norman font, made of stone and featuring carved decoration. The stone pulpit dates from the late medieval period and is elaborately carved. The oldest fragments of stained glass are the Perpendicular west window depicting St Laurence's gridiron, and 14th-century pieces in the south nave window. The chancel windows have Victorian glass by Thomas Willement. There are several 19th-century stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the life of the Virgin Mary and other biblical figures. The church boasts two finely carved Jacobean tables, one in the Musgrave Aisle and another serving as the altar table. The church interior has a number of memorials and plaques commemorating local figures who have played a significant role in the life of the village. There are a number of monuments on the walls and the floor of the Nave to the Bourchier family, builders of Barnsley House, dating from the late 17th Century. The four-bay hammer beam roof in the nave dates to the 19th Century.

## Churchyard

The churchyard of St. Mary the Virgin is well-maintained and contains a number of historic graves and memorials. Some of the gravestones date back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

## Current use

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin remains an active parish church within the Diocese of Gloucester. Regular services are held, including traditional Eucharist services and seasonal celebrations. The church also plays a central role in the life of the village, hosting weddings, baptisms, and funerals, as well as local events.

## Heritage status

The Church of St. Mary the Virgin has been designated as a Grade II* listed building since 1958. This designation highlights the church's architectural and historic importance, particularly its Norman origins and the later Gothic alterations.