St. Bartholomew’s Church – West Pinchbeck
The Church’s foundation stone was laid on 24th August 1848 the feast of St Bartholomew.
The ceremonial trowel presented to Canon Wayet, the founder, and used by him on that occasion, can be found in the small recess on the 
north wall.
In 1850, the Lord Bishop of Lincoln, Right Reverend John Kaye, visited the Church on July 9th to consecrate the building to be a House of God. If you look carefully behind the rose arch around the main door, and underneath the paint, you can see a faint trace of these words. “This is the House of God – This is the Gate of Heaven”.
St. Bartholomew’s is a typical Victorian Church of the 19th century, styled in Gothic style and consists of a chancel, nave of 4 bays, a north aisle, south porch and a turret containing 2 bells. The Rood screen was added in 1917, as a war memorial.
The architect was William Butterfield. Interestingly there is an almost identical Church on the island of Madagascar!
Unfortunately, 46 years after completion, an inspection of the building revealed defective foundations, making the entire structure in danger of collapse.
However on 20th October 1897, after extensive repairs the Church was re-dedicated by “ the saintly Bishop, Edward King”.
As you wonder around the Church you might wonder what a small door is doing high on the South Wall of the nave and chancel. Heating in early times was by means of coke combustion stoves, which produce obnoxious fumes. At these times the little doors were opened to allow the fumes to escape!
The Church is worth a visit and the parishioners are extremely helpful and friendly.
5 Responses
I very much enjoyed looking at the photos and reading the article by Peggy Gardener. I also knew the Peach family at Pear Tree Farm, as well as Renee W Parker and Ken Brooks, Norah.s siblings. I went to the village school from 1949 to 1956 when Mr Brumby was Headmaster.
My father was Francis Cutler, vicar from 1946 to 1964 when he moved to Crowland. My years in the village were happy ones and, during this lockdown, I have been thinking of the many people I knew as a small child.
The church looks lovingly cared for and my late parents would be delighted that there is still a very vibrant sense of community.
Oh Mary what a surprise seeing your name here today. I don’t know if you remember me, but I have fond memories of you at Spalding High School. It’s Dora here, Dora Johnson!
I did have hyphenated Johnson-Schiwek name at the time, but dropped that when I left school.
I remember visiting you in the vicarage. We moved to Bourne during 1958 I think it was.
I left Lincolnshire in 1968, although Mum stayed in the Bourne area until about 1987.
I live in Nottingham now, and have done so for 35 years.
Oh Mary, what memories your name has stirred, I have never forgotten you and your friendship’
I would love to hear from you.
Dora
Thanks I will try and ensure Mary sees the comment. Regards Geoff
Dora,
How lovely to hear from you. I do indeed remember you and the three wheeled car.I have lived in Cheltenham for 52 years. After university, I went into teaching and retired in 2005. I married in 1984. My husband is Canadian of Russian and Estonian heritage. His family are based in Toronto but lived in Montreal for many years.
Thank you for getting in touch.
Hello
I wondered if any of the Brighton family are still farming in the Spalding area. I so much enjoyed
the books by Harold – “lost farmyard” etc and wonder how things have changed.