Mitford Church

Mitford church is well worth a visit. The building and setting - right opposite Mitford Castle - are historic and spectacular. But more important to us are the people of the parish who we exist to serve. Our vision is to be the spiritual heart of our local community, a place where the landmarks and seasons of our lives can be marked, celebrated, and honoured.

The worshipping community at Mitford is a mix of people of different ages and stages on the spiritual journey. What unites us is the desire to explore questions of life and faith, and to live out our faith in Christ for the good of the world around us. For up-to-date details of our services and activities please visit our website www.mitfordchurch.org or our pages on 'Find A Church Near You' www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16331/ 
But by far the best way to have a look around is to drop in one Sunday, and check us out - no strings! You will be so welcome here.

Mitford Church is open daily from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

PS: You might also like to have a look at our sister church in Hebron village, just a couple of miles up the road:  www.achurchnearyou.com/church/16326/

History

The parish church in Mitford has a long and colourful history. The stone building was started in the same year as Mitford Castle, 1135. However ancient foundations, recently discovered below the existing stone flooring, indicate that there was previously a Saxon church on the same site.  
In 1216 the building was almost burned to the ground when the castle was sacked following the signing of the Magna Carta. It was later restored by William de Valence when the Norman priest’s door was retained and the chancel and north and south transepts were added. There are few written references to the church after this date until 1705, when a huge fire ravaged the roof and most of the building lay open to the elements for the next century. The congregation had to sit in the choir stalls!  In 1877 fortune changed when the squire of Mitford, Colonel John Philip Osbaldeston Mitford, used his own money (around £10,000) to carry out a complete re-build.  Over the years further modernisations have been made to fit the building to contemporary use. The superb stained glass windows are to be admired, as is one of the earliest bells in the country – cast no later than 1150 –  which hangs just inside the main church doors. Mitford Church was Grade 1-listed in 1969.