St Mary's Church, Tissington (1999)

St Mary's Church, Tissington and St Leonard's Church at Thorpe both appear very similar, in having very solid towers, and both originate from Norman times. Tissington has a tympanum above its south doorway, protected by a porch of recent times. It has a chequer-board pattern with animals (one apparently trying to swallow its own tail) and two small human-like figures There is evidence on the side pillars of arrow-sharpening - from the time of Edward III, every Englishman was required to own a bow of his own height, and provide one for his son. Boys were then required to practice with a bow and arrow every Sunday afternoon on the south side of the church.

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)

Reference
Church guide leaflet - A Short History of Tissington and its Parish Church. 1988.