St Nicholas Parish Church

St Nicholas Church is the oldest building in the village, with the oldest elements dating back to the 12th century. The north arcade is 13th century, while the south is from the14th, as is the tower, which was built to take a spire, which was never added.

 

The tower houses five bells (the oldest is from the 15th century) which were re-hung on an oak frame in 1848, and again just over a century later in 1951.

 

In 1848, the church underwent major alteration and restoration at a cost of some £3,000: the nave was lengthened and the chancel shortened to accommodate a growing congregation.

 

The 18th century church clock was restored and installed in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, paid for by the 7th Duke of Grafton.

 

The stained glass all dates from the 20th century. The Rev. Walter Plant, vicar from 1897-1920, gave the three windows in the north aisle which depict aspects of Jesus’s teaching. More recently, the window at the west end of the south aisle was commissioned by Doug and Betty Holloway in celebration of their ruby wedding anniversary in 1997. Called ‘Craftsmen’, it was joined in 2000 by another window on the south wall, also designed by Chris Fiddes and paid for by public subscription as well as a grant from South Northamptonshire Council.

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Take a look at the video to hear about the Church in more detail from expert Doug Holloway.