The monument to the 1st Earl, who died in 1699, is missing because the 2nd Earl disapproved of his father’s second marriage, at an advanced age, to a servant, Elizabeth Graham and so his monument is now in the nearby church of St Mary’s at Elmley Castle instead.
The Coventry family cared for the church while they lived in Croome court but when they moved to Earls Croome in 1949 the parish was too small to maintain such an outstanding building. Since 1975, St Mary’s has been cared for by The Churches Conservation Trust - the national heritage charity protecting historic churches at risk – and the church remains open for visitors, schools and community events.
There have only been 7 full peals rung on the bells in their 360 year history. 1889, 1970 & 1983, then four following their restoration 5 years ago.
Click this link to see and hear the bells
Click this link to see the bell ringers in action
Learn more about the Churches Conservation Trust