St.Mary’s Church
There has been a church here for at least 900 years. The Doomsday survey of 1086 tells us that “a church is there” but no records of that building remain.
The church you see today is a grade 2 listed building over 600 years old, built around 1360.
Ven. Dealtry is credited with the introduction of the custom of throwing confetti over the bride and groom at a wedding. Apparently the practice originates in the Hindu custom of the bridegroom throwing 3 handfuls of rice over his bride and she doing the same to him as a symbol of fertility. That custom, which later became confetti rather than rice, was introduced in Swillington by Ven. Thomas Dealtry who was Rector here from 1872 to 1878
In the Nave above the North Door there is a hatchment with the Royal Arms bearing the inscription G.R. 1723.
The stem, base and steps of the Font are relatively modern, but the bowl itself is old, and the oak cover may date back to the 17th century.
There is a Recess in the wall of the South Aisle which probably dates from the 14th Century. Inside is a glass case containing a Wooden Effigy of a knight, one of only about 50 in the country.
The Tower contains a peal of eight bells which were transferred from St. Mathews in Holbeck in 1979. This work was done by members of the congregation and parish under the guidance of Mr.Guy Cox the Tower Captain. The bells are of a very high quality and excellently maintained. Anyone interested in visiting to ring our bells or wishing to learn bell ringing, please get in touch.
Bell ringing practice is on a Monday Evening at 7.30 p.m. All are welcome.