The ancient St Mary’s chapel in Atherstone dates from the early twelfth century when the monks of Bec made a donation of twelve acres to a house of friars hermits, later referred to as “Austin friars”. According to Nichols the chapel was granted to Henry Cartwright in 1542, then left abandoned and neglected until 1692 when Samuel Bracebridge gent. settled a yearly sum for the parson of Manceter to preach there every other Sunday in the Winter season.

After this, St Mary’s chapel seems to have experienced something of a revival, its square tower being rebuilt in the fashionable “Gothic” style in 1782. This drastic alteration probably aroused some controversy. although the fine architectural drawing of the chapel made by Mr Schnebbelie in 1790 prompted Nichols to assert that “the new tower provides a good effect”.

Wikipedia - Atherstone

The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Worcester, of the value of £150, in the patronage of the Vicar of Mancetter. The church is dedicated to St. Mary. It was erected in 1849, on the site of the ancient chapel of the friary, the old tower and the chancel being retained. It is in the decorated style of architecture, the tower rising from the intersection of the nave and chancel.

The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland (1868). London: Virtue & Co.

The church was mainly re-edificed in 1850, and is in the decorated English style.

Imperial Gazetteer of England and Wales, John Marius Wilson (1870-72).

We called at the “Old Red Lion Inn,” and, going to explore the town while our refreshments were being prepared, found our way to a church, once part of a monastery, where the old fourteenth-century bell was still tolled. It was in the chancel of this church that Henry, Earl of Richmond, partook of Holy Communion on the eve of his great victory over Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field, by which he became King Henry VII.

From John O’Groats to Land’s End, or 1372 miles on foot a book of days and chronicle of adventures by two pedestrians on tour. Robert Naylor and John Naylor (1916), Caxton Publishing Company, Limited Clun House, SUrrey Street, W.C.

The Parish Church of St Mary, Atherstone Website: http://www.stmarysatherstone.co.uk/