Church Project 2026

St. Mary Magdalene, Mitford

Welcome to the next exciting chapter in the long and eventful history of St Mary Magdalene, Mitford.

With your help and support, our beautiful Victorian and medieval building can go from strength to strength.

Thanks to essential improvements, both inside and outside, we can protect tradition while ensuring flexibility and comfort for all.

What Lies Ahead

Disabled parking provision, along with specified wheelchair path access. Ensuring visiting our church is a comfortable and welcoming experience for everyone.

Upgraded noticeboard keeping you informed about upcoming services and the season ahead.

Stackable seating replacing our sadly deteriorating pews. Giving our church brand new levels of flexibility and comfort when adapting to the specific needs of regular services and special occasions.

New screen projection and upgraded sound system, complete with wireless facility for our service and worship leaders, and performing musicians.

Permeable carpeting covering service leaders, musicians and children’s areas

And once this work is completed, we’ll eventually be in a position to overhaul our ageing heating system, not to mention improving church lighting!

What Remains The Same

We will of course maintain the rich heritage and beauty of our chancel and chapel. Both will remain in their historic entirety.

Present Timeline

Why Now?

As present custodians of St Mary Magdalene, Mitford, it’s our responsibility that the building is maintained and improved where necessary, ensuring this worshipping space meets the evolving needs of generations to come.

Along with providing enhanced levels of comfort and ease for parishioners, much-needed improvements enable Elaine and our ministry team to deliver regular services more effectively than ever on our behalf.

Community

As well as serving parishioners throughout the year, St Mary Magdalene belongs at the very heart of the Mitford community. Alongside our village hall, upcoming improvements ensure the building becomes an attractive location for hosting local events in the years ahead.

The Story Continues

Built in the 12th century, the church was almost burnt to the ground on the orders of King John in 1216 and again seriously damaged by fire just over a hundred years later. Bad luck struck once more in 1705 when fire destroyed the roof, reportedly caused by open braziers heating the building.

Good fortune came in the 1870s when Colonel John Philip Osbaldeston Mitford financed the rebuilding, with architect R.J. Johnson tasked with designing the church we see today.

While the wooden floor was replaced by York stone in the 1980s, most recent alterations took place some twenty years ago, when glazed porch doors and glazing above the vestry screen were fitted, reducing draughts. A raised gallery was installed to provide additional seating and storage.

Our bell hanging beside the main door is believed to date all the way back to the 12th century...

possibly the oldest in Britain!

We Need Your Help!

To ensure our church remains in the best possible condition, both now and in the decades ahead, we’d love to hear your fundraising ideas.

With new seating on the way, would you like to pledge to buy a new chair (or two!)?

We’d like to think new homes could be found for our beloved old pews from the nave! Let us know if you’re interested…