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| Nettleton - St John the Baptist |
Welcome to the 2023 West Lindsey’s Churches Festival...
And what a glorious celebration we have to offer. When the pace of life is so rushed for us all, why not take some time out, step into our little part of the world and experience the offerings that 86 of our wonderful churches have to give?
Many of the churches are still the focal point of our villages and will provide you an insight into the history and life of their parishes. Others offer a vibrant collection of stained glass, architecture, carvings and artefacts.
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| Morton & Snarford |
And some of our smaller churches open their doors simply to provide you with an oasis of peace and spirituality, a place to relax and witness the Holy Spirit.
And finally, we offer intrigue and mystery as we uncover some hidden stories that our churches have kept so secret over the years! Some stories focus on the people living in our towns and villages, one such tale can be found at Gautby, with the intrigue of the Vyer family that includes kidnapping, ransom and murder.
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| Stow Minster & Coates by Stow |
Or make a trip to Kettlethorpe and its associations with Katherine Swynford, 3rd wife of John of Gaunt. What was the secret of Mary Beckett of Corringham?
Or, pop along to Knaith, next to the River Witham and help them “Solve a problem like St Mary!” Clergymen also appear throughout many of our stories...
What is the connection between Market Rasen’s Rev James Walter and the Duke of Wellington’s horse Copenhagen? And John Wycliffe of Fillingham? What part did he play in translating the Bible into English?
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| Cherry Willingham |
And how was Thomas Retford, vicar of Snelland involved in the “Lincolnshire Rising?” Or how about convict William Jacklin of Scotton, who was transported to Australia where he became a founder of the first Presbyterian church in the town of Ebeneezer.
So much to discover... Other stories centre on the village itself. Is the Iron Age Causeway at Fiskerton just one of many along the Witham still waiting to be excavated? Was there really a pagan drowning pool in Thoresway? Were those ancient roof tiles found at Wragby really Roman? Pop along and find out...
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| Spridlington & Faldingworth |
And finally, The United Reformed Church in Gainsborough is worth a visit with its connections with the Mayflower Pilgrims...
Join us once again and witness the beauty of West Lindsey’s churches. Not only will you be supporting our church heritage, you will also be supporting many of our small villages, helping to ensure that the lovely community spirit that binds these rural Lincolnshire towns and villages together stays forever.
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| Gainsborough All Saints (top) & Southrey |
Looking forward to visiting as many of the churches as I can again this year. It's a credit to the organisers and the volunteers that this event takes place each May. Thank you to you all for making your places so accessible.
ReplyDeleteThank you Paul, we love seeing your beautiful photographs too! Angela (on behalf of the Churches Festival).
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