Church of St Nicholas, Mavesyn Ridware 🇬🇧

You'll find the Grade I listed Church of St Nicholas situated at the eastern end of Mavesyn Ridware, Staffordshire, just north of the River Trent and near the ancient Manor House gatehouse. Founded in 1140 by Hugo de Mavesyn, this historic parish church offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval origins and dramatic 18th-century rebuilding. In 1782, much of the medieval structure was demolished, but the original 13th-century north aisle and 15th-century perpendicular gothic west tower were preserved.

The church was then expanded with a distinctive red brick wide square nave and polygonal chancel. Today, it stands as one of only 12 Grade I listed buildings in Lichfield District, praised as a rare conversion of a medieval aisle into a family chapel featuring neo-medieval fittings. When you step inside, you can walk down steps from the higher modern section into the historic Mavesyn Chapel.

Here, you will discover remarkable monuments, tombs, and effigies dating back centuries, including a Norman font, the tomb of Sir Robert Mavesyn (killed in 1403), incised floor slabs, and effigies of 13th-century knights. Outside, explore the churchyard to view an 18th-century sandstone chest tomb and a World War I soldier's war grave.

What to see at Church of St Nicholas, Mavesyn Ridware

• Ancient 15th-century west tower built of sandstone with gothic gargoyles
• Mavesyn Chapel featuring effigies of 13th-century knights and Sir Robert Mavesyn
• Norman font decorated with bands of wavy stems and leaves
• Unique architectural blend of medieval ashlar sandstone and 1782 red brick nave
• Historic churchyard containing a mid-18th-century chest tomb and WWI war grave

Visiting tips

Watch your step inside the church, as you must descend steps from the higher 1782 nave down into the medieval north aisle.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Church of St Nicholas, Mavesyn Ridware is easy to reach on Lichfield’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Letocetum and All Saints Church, Alrewas. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Lichfield travel guide.