St. Peter and St. Paul's Church, Mansfield is a parish church in the Church of England located in the town centre of Mansfield, Nottinghamshire. The church, war memorial and railings south of the church are listed for special architectural interest. The church is mentioned in Domesday book in 1086.
A portion of St PeterâÂÂs and St PaulâÂÂs Church is Norman. In 1096 the church was transferred by William II to Robert Bloet, Bishop of Lincoln. In the 12th century a new stone nave and chancel were built, towards the latter end of this century the church expanded in line with the population of Mansfield. In the 13th century further additions were added including a new aisle and two altars. In 1304 the church was almost entirely destroyed by fire, but was then restored by 1420. The 14th century also saw the church tower raised. In 1428 Henry VI subsidy the church continued to be annexed to the Bishop of Lincoln.
In 1521 Dame Cecilly Flogan, a business owner, gave land which was given to the church for 99 years. In 1557 Mary I (Mary Tudor) and King Phillip issued a charter which allowed the church to hold land. The steeple was added in 1583, although this has been disputed saying that the steeple was added in 1666. In the north aisle there is Maymott Brass of 1714 which commemorates Queen Anne.
George Fox the founder of the Quakers lived in Mansfield in 1647 at the site of St Phillip Neri Church. George said in his journal âÂÂand as I was walking by the steeplehouse side, in the town of Mansfield the Lord said unto me, that which people do trample upon must be thy food. And as the Lord spoke he opened it to me how that people and professors did trample upon the life, even the life of Christ was trampled uponâ¦âÂÂ. The steeplehouse in Mansfield was the church of St Peter and St Paul.
In 2013, the church held a 900-year celebration, claiming to have evidence that the original tower was completed by December, 1113.
There are eight bells in the tower dating from 1603. The bells were cast in 1948.
The 3-manual church organ was acquired in 1970 from Clare College, Cambridge It was substantially altered and enlarged by Noel Mander of London before installation in the south chapel in 1971. There was further work and restoration done, and the organ was re-consecrated at the end of 2000.