The Parish of Astley

 The Nave

Ceiling

This is made of panelled oak and bears twenty one shields which record families connected with the church. It is of 14th century origin, with some restoration work carried out in the 17th century and then extensively restored in 1876.

As you enter the western end of the nave from the tower there are three recumbent alabaster figures to the right. They are effigies of Sir Edward Grey, Elizabeth Talbot and Cicely Bonneville. These are all that remain of a large number of effigies that were originally housed in the Collegiate Church.

On the west wall is an ancient memorial brass, of a robed headless figure, reputedly one of the oldest in Warwickshire. It dates from about 1400 and is believed to represent one of the ladies of the Astley family. 

The font is of Norman design and octagonal in form, with an embattled moulding around the rim. Set in the floor adjacent to the font are some of the original floor tiles, some of which bear the arms of the Astleys and Beauchamps

Wall paintings (17th Century)
There are six on the south wall and three on the north wall showing seven Bible passages, the Lord’s Prayer and the Creed in addition to the two paintings on either side of the east window in the chancel. These paintings, which are of national importance, are in urgent need of restoration. You can help with this by making a donation

Choir Stalls  (14th-15th Century)
There are two sets of nine and behind each stall is a painted panel depicting apostles on the north side and prophets on the south side. These stall date from the 14th or 15th centuries and are believed to be unique. Originally there would have been two sets of twelve.

On the north wall there is a memorial to Lettice Bolden a member of the Newdigate family. The unusual form of the date on this memorial (17 Feb 1693/4) reflects the change in the start of the New Year from 25th March to 1st January.  To the left of the chancel steps is the pulpit and to the right is the prayer desk and lectern. These are of oak and date from the 17th century.