Nottingham Miscellany

VIEWS FROM THE TOWER OF ST. MARY'S CHURCH

High Pavement, The Lace Market
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I have for a long time wanted to view the city from the tower of St. Mary's Church and that ambition was finally realised on a special Heritage Open Day on the 11th September 2010. As this was a 'one off' opening I was very fortunate indeed to enjoy a fine afternoon and the views in all directions fully lived up to expectations.  St. Mary's tower is by far the highest point in the Lace Market area and affords stunning views out over that unique area and across the city centre, to the surrounding countryside to as far as places like Belvior Castle that can just be identified on the far horizon to the east.

The top of the tower is reached first by quite a generous spiral stone staircase that emerges onto the roof of the main church. After a few steps along the roof, one then enters another door to climb a ladder and then a wooden staircase to a point above the bell chamber.  From there another less than generous spiral stone staircase then winds its way up to the top of the tower where one emerges from a small hatch.  (See photo - St. Mary's Church section).  Being 6'-4" tall and of generous proportions myself, the final leg to the roof was a bit of a challenge especially on the last turn when the spiral narrows again as it approaches the hatch.  Any further weight gain will certainly preclude a return visit !

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NOTE: 
St. Mary's Church tower is only open to the public on one or two days per year.  Check in the local  press for announcements of future open days. 

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