Church of Saint Andrew

Church of Saint Andrew is the Church of England parish church in the centre of Rugby, Warwickshire, and one of the oldest places of worship in the town. It stands on Church Street, close to the market town's historic core, and is listed at Grade II*, a category reserved for particularly important buildings.

What is the history of St Andrew's in Rugby?

The church's roots reach back to the 12th century. In its early days it was a dependent chapel of Clifton-upon-Dunsmore, a neighbouring settlement, and only later gained independence: Rugby became a parish in its own right in 1221. That date makes the site a useful marker for the town's medieval development, long before Rugby became known for anything else.

What can you see today?

The oldest surviving part of the building is the West Tower, usually dated to the 14th century. Some accounts suggest the tower had a defensive purpose as well as a religious one, which would fit its sturdy, plain character compared with the later work around it.

Most of what visitors see now, however, is Victorian. The church was largely rebuilt in 1877-79 to designs by William Butterfield, an architect best known for strongly coloured, High Victorian Gothic buildings. A second tower, at the north-east, was completed in 1895-96. The result is a church with two towers from very different centuries, which gives it an unusual silhouette among English parish churches.

The churchyard also has a listed gateway immediately north of the church, recorded separately in the national heritage list.

Are there bells?

Yes. St Andrew's has two sets of change-ringing bells, with the older set hung in the West Tower. For anyone interested in the English tradition of ringing, the church is a place where this practice has a long local history.

Is it still a working church?

Yes. St Andrew's remains an active parish church, and the congregation has run initiatives to open the building to visitors so that people can see the architecture and learn about its past. Opening times and events change, so check the parish's current notices before planning a visit.

How to visit

The church is in the middle of Rugby, so it is easy to combine with a walk around the town centre. It is a short distance from other central sights, and the area is flat and straightforward on foot. A visit takes roughly half an hour if you want to look at both the exterior and the interior, longer if you are interested in architecture or bell-ringing.

Frequently asked questions

How old is the church? The origins go back to the 12th century. The West Tower is the oldest surviving part, generally dated to the 14th century.

Who designed the main building? William Butterfield, who oversaw the rebuilding in 1877-79.

Is it listed? Yes, it has Grade II* status.

Why does it have two towers? The West Tower is medieval, while the north-east tower was added in 1895-96 during the Victorian expansion of the church.

Is it the only St Andrew's in the area? No. There is also a Catholic church of the same dedication in Hillmorton, a separate building from the one in the town centre.

Can I go inside? It is a working church, so access depends on services and opening arrangements. Check with the parish before you go.