There has been a place or worship on the site of Blymhill church from the twelfth century, and a complete list of rectors from 1200 can be seen hanging inside the main door. The existing church dates originally from the fourteenth century, at which time it was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The east window shows the transition from the Decorated style of architecture to the Perpendicular style which succeeded it. In 1716 the church underwent considerable alteration, including the changing of the Gothic windows to round-headed ones.
In 1858-59 the eminent architect G.E.Street supervised the enlargement of the church. The Gothic windows were restored, the present vestry added, together with the oak choir stalls and pews, the pulpit, font and clergy desks. At this time the gallery was removed, and a plaque in the tower records that that was allowed only on condition that 176 seats were provided for the poorer inhabitants of the parish. The church was widened to add another aisle on the north side and the whole roof replaced. Oak from the Bagot estates in Staffordshire was used to construct the pews and the interior of the roof which is a fine example of local craftsmanship.
The church has beautiful stained glass windows, several of which are connected to the Bridgeman family, who have been closely connected with Blymhill church throughout it's history. The Rev. E.R.O.Bridgeman gave the St. Chad chapel to the church and his sister designed the Rose Window. St. Chad is traditionally supposed to have preached in the area and is the patron saint of the Diocese of Lichfield. There is also an interesting copy of a medieval carving on the south wall of the chancel, thought to have been given by one of the Bridgemans during his rectorship of the church.
The rood screen erected in 1901 replaces an earlier, plainer one, and is surmounted by a carving of the crucifixion, with St. John and the Virgin Mary on either side. The church has three bells, a tenor cast in 1607 and two larger ones. These two were originally cast in 1467 and 1530, but were recast in 1840 and 1843.
On entering the church the array of colourful kneelers — 82 at the last count - is striking. These were all done by Mr. Robert Wood and his wife in 1987 and 1988 Mr. Wood grew up in nearby Orslow, though he settled elsewhere after leaving the village for war service in 1938. The kneelers mostly his original designs, commemorate, friends, the church and the school.
Blymhill churchyard has deservedly won several "Best Kept Churchyard" awards. It contains a war memorial made of Hollington stone, erected in 1920, but now commemorating those who died in both World wars. The churchyard has beautiful views over the surrounding countryside, and it hosts many species of wild flowers.
The present population of the village is just under 300.
Much of this information was taken from "History of Blymhill Church 1200-1990", a booklet that is available in the church, and records its history in much greater detail.
Historic records of St Mary, Blymhill have been deposited at Staffordshire Record Office, where they are available for consultation by the public.
These include the parish registers of baptisms 1561-1971, marriages
1561-1985, and burials 1561-1989; and the inclosure award and map, 1814.
There is also particularly good coverage of the eighteenth century in the
papers of the overseers of the poor for the parish.
A catalogue of these records is available in "Gateway to the Past" - the online catalogue of the
Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Archive Service. The Archive Service's
website provides further information on
planning a visit to the office to consult records, should you wish to do so.
