There has been a church here for at least a thousand years. The remains of the earlier Norman Church are visible via specially made trapdoors in the floor. The oldest bell pre-dates the Civil War. From the tower it is possible to see the hills beyond Stamford and also the Wolds. Your church has one of the Fenland’s loftiest spires (176 feet from ground level to the top of the spire) and has many unique features. There is space in the spire (above the tower) for over 20 people! It is believed that many of the plain windows in the church were replacements for those smashed by Cromwell’s army or supporters during the Civil War. His army also removed all the brass detail from memorials in the floor to melt down and use for guns and cannons.
The church is reputed to be connected by secret tunnels to at least 2 old homes – the evidence of one has been found. The ‘Perpendicular’ style of architecture was invented by William of Wykeham, a famous 15th century vicar, and 2 windows here may be his earliest work.
Three of Oxford University’s Colleges were founded by former vicars and it has much to tell us of the local history of the area for past centuries.
Please click here to read an excellent history of the village
& church from Saxon times to 1974.
Click below to read the Grade 1 listing description on the Historic England website:
https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1064425
