A walk around St Mary’s Church in Snibston with John Cowley

The audio clips were recorded by Dave Kitto in July 2005. To listen to them you will need Windows Media Player 9 or 10, or similar software such as Winamp or Real Player. Audio clips are accompanied by the icon

The church of St Mary and St James, tucked away in the North West Leicestershire parish of Snibston is reputed to be one of the smallest churches in Britain still in use. “An oasis of tranquillity“ on the door step of Coalville, a 19th century industrial powerhouse. 

Snibston lies between Coalville and Ashby.  Snibston derived its name from the snipe which made their habitat and nests in the bog formed by a stream which flowed at the bottom of Standard Hill, a little below St Mary’s on the east side of the parish.

A local pamphlet “The story of the Churches of St Mary’s and St James” refers to this 13th century church and creates the impression that at one time a larger building existed, with a tower, spire and small chancel.  Now able to seat 30 people, years ago this building would have opened its doors to a bigger congregation.

John Cowley, a local resident, shares his knowledge of St Mary’s and St James and of life in the area.

The origins of Snibston village...

The tranquil rural existence in 2005 hides the importance of the narrow winding lane which leads to St. Mary’s Church and is believed to have been a major route between Leicester to Burton

Neighbouring fields possibly home to a deserted medieval village

The church exterior...

The church’s oversized buttresses are a telling sign that at one time a larger building existed. The evidence in the landscape shows that stone would have been quarried near to the site of the church itself

The church bell...

The inscription on the church bell reads: “W. T Brooke, Bromsgrove, made mee, 1739”

Graves....