Church History

St Mary's was built and endowed at the bequest of Charles Arkwright of Dunstall Hall. Henry Clutton was the architect and Thompson of Derby the builder. The plans were carried out by John Hardy who then owned Dunstall Estate and the Church was consecrated on 5th October 1853 by Bishop Lonsdale of Lichfield. The Rev. George Spooner, first incumbent of Dunstall took the service and Howard, Dean of Lichfield preached the sermon. 

The Church is described by Nikolaus Pevsner in 'The Buildings of England' as "A typical Estate church". The elegant building in Hollington stone stands in a dominant position, its prominent tower with a round staircase projection stops below the top frieze. The porch has a pointed tunnel vault with transverse ribs and leafy capitals. There are some grotesque gargoyles to be see at roof level, one of which recently fell signalling extensive stonework repairs to the tower, which on work is currently being undertaken. 

Internally, the Church has a nave, chancel, and a south aisle. Immediately on your left is a font carved in Caen stone with four pillars in serpentine. The carved panels depict Moses striking the rock, the Baptism of Jesus and Noah and the Ark. The font was expertly cleaned and restored in 2005. 

Further round to the left is the organ which is regarded as unique and probably constructed to Arkwright's specification. Built by Bishop and installed at the time of consecration, later electrified and restored, it is considered to be of historical importance. In further extensive works, it was overhauled and re-built by Hawkins of Lichfield in 2023. 

At the west end of the nave is the towering stained-glass window in memory of John Hardy and his wife, Isobel. The four lights are dedicated to the prophet Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and David. Inscribed below: "The goodly fellowship of the Prophets praise thee."

The original floors were of stone and were replaced centrally with existing oak blocks by Sir Robert Douglas. The pew floors, choir floors and Lady Chapel floor were completely renewed and replaced in 2017/2018. 

The Pulpit is in Caen stone with carved foliage. The lectern pillar is in serpentine, and the lectern opposite is in the figure of an angel with the inscription "Thanks be to God who spared our soldier sons 1914-1919, R&M H." The Angel Lectern also features a stub pillar in serpentine. The chancel walls are a unique feature, lined with alabaster from local Hanbury.  

The great east window is by Thomas Willement. The three lights depict the birth, the crucifixion and the resurrection. Above are lamb and flag, pelican in her piety and sacred monograms in tracery. Below is a fine reredos added in March 1890 in memory of Sir John Hardy and his wife, Laura. The work was carried out by Farmer and Brindley in Derbyshire alabaster. The centre panel represents the annunciation, and in the side niches stand St John the Baptist and St John the Evangelist. Either side of the Altar stand angels on columns of red African marble. 

At the northeast corner of the Chancel is the entrance to the Lady Chapel. Once the vestry, the conversion was devised by Sir Robert and Lady Douglas of Dunstall Hall (c. 1958/59). 

The fine Oriel window and stonework surrounded in the Sanctuary is by Thomas Willement, restored in 2015. The window below also by Thomas Willement has 2 lights; Jesus and the children and The Good Shepherd. The second window in the Chancel by Burlison and Gryllis shows David and Jonathan, Harp below and Jesus and the beloved disciples at the last supper, eagle below. In tracery the Arms of the Hardy family. 

At the east end of the south aisle, the window by Burliston and Gryllis is in memory of Sir Reginald Hardy Bart. 2 lights depicting St George slaying the dragon. The head of George is that of Sir Reginald. At the top are the Arms of Staffordshire County Council, Staffordshire Yeomanry, Eton College, Balliol College Oxford and the Inner Temple. In tracery, Arms of Hardy and Gladstone. 

The final stained window in the South Aisle is by Kempe and Tower. One light depicting St Lucy in memory of Lucy Marion Hardy inscribed "Lucia mimica di Ciascum crudele". 

Along the length of the South Aisle wall is a stone bench with a lion couchant. Between the windows, an alabaster slab inscribed with those from the Parish who fell in the First World War. It is assumed that no-one from the Parish was lost in the Second World War. 

The Tower Clock is of Birdcage design by John Moore & Sons of London 1853. The clock was restored and electrified with automatic winding in October 1998 in memory of Sir Robert and Lady Douglas. A brass plaque below the west window refers. Further enhancements to the clock were added in 2022 to enable automatic adjustment at solstice and equinox. Efforts to perfect this and regulate the hour chime are ongoing. 

The Bell Chamber comprises a peal of 3 bells cast in 1853 by C&G Mears, Whitechapel, London. They are inscribed "Glory to God in the highest", "Goodwill towards men" and "On earth peace". They were re-hung with new roller bearings in 1930 by John Taylor of Loughborough. The ringing chamber contains a considerable number of interesting, pencilled graffiti. 

Built at the same time as the church stands the Church Hall, referenced in the Brass tablet below the east window. Originally the village school and home to the schoolmaster it was completely renovated by Sir Stanley Clarke in 2015. The magnificent, vaulted ceiling was exposed and restored, and the hall now serves as a meeting venue and is available for event hire. 

The church celebrated its 150th anniversary on October 5th 2003, with an Evensong service attended by the Choir of St James' Church, Barton under Needwood and an address given by the Very Rev Michael Yorke, Dean of Lichfield Cathedral. Also in attendance were Sir Stanley and Lady Clarke and the Mayor and Mayoress of East Staffordshire. 

The work of the PCC in maintaining the Church is ongoing. The repairs and improvements mentioned in these notes could not have been achieved without the generosity of local benefactors to whom we are eternally grateful and the support of visitors and worshippers.