St Mary's, the Tower and Me
Campaign 2023 includes a community storytelling initiative called "St Mary's, the Tower and Me," which invites members of the congregation, the local community, and supporters from further afield to share their personal connections to the church and its iconic tower. The campaign welcomes contributions from anyone who feels a bond with St Mary's, whether through decades of attendance, a childhood memory, or a single visit that left a lasting impression.
The following are original reflections inspired by the kinds of stories shared through the campaign. They represent the deep attachment that people across Warwick and beyond feel towards this remarkable building.
"Living in Warwick for several decades, one comes to regard the tower of St Mary's not simply as a landmark but as a constant companion. It marks the seasons, it signals the hours, and it anchors the town in a sense of continuity. The thought of the tower falling into disrepair, hidden behind scaffolding and netting, is deeply unsettling. The restoration campaign represents something more than stonework repairs. It is about ensuring that the next generation inherits the same skyline, the same sense of place, that so many of us have cherished."
A Warwick Resident and Campaign SupporterThe Bells and Their Keeper
"The sound of the bells carries across the rooftops and into the surrounding countryside. For those involved in ringing them, the tower is not merely a structure of stone; it is a living instrument. The band of bellringers maintains a tradition that stretches back centuries, ringing the bells full circle in the traditional English style. The clock bells mark the passage of time, the carillon plays its melodies every three hours, and on special occasions the full peal rings out for weddings, services, and national celebrations. The Ellacombe apparatus also allows a single person to sound all the bells, a feature used when a full team of ringers is not available. Each method of sounding creates a different character, and together they form the musical heartbeat of the town."
A Member of the St Mary's Bellringing BandA Visitor's Perspective
"Arriving in Warwick for the first time, the tower of St Mary's was the first thing that caught the eye. It rose above the rooftops with a quiet authority, drawing visitors towards the centre of town. Climbing the 160 steps to the top revealed views that stretched across the Warwickshire countryside, with the outline of Warwick Castle visible to the south and farmland rolling towards the horizon in every direction. The experience of standing at that height, surrounded by centuries of history, left a strong impression that endured long after the visit ended."
A Visitor to St Mary'sGenerations of Connection
"Some families in Warwick can trace their connection to St Mary's across multiple generations. Baptisms, confirmations, weddings, and memorial services have all taken place beneath the tower's shadow. For these families, the church is woven into the fabric of their personal histories. The tower's silhouette appears in old photographs, in the background of wedding portraits, and in the memories of childhood walks through Old Square. Preserving the tower means preserving these connections, not just the physical stone, but the continuity of experience that binds one generation to the next."
A Family with Deep Roots in WarwickShare Your Story
The campaign continues to welcome contributions from anyone who would like to share what St Mary's and its tower mean to them. Whether through a written reflection, a photograph, or a brief note, every story helps illustrate the depth of feeling that surrounds this building. Those who wish to contribute can reach the Campaign Office through the contact page.