Sixhills • All Saints

All Saints church is a Grade II listed building standing in a picturesque location on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds, with a wonderful view.
The village has associations with Gilbert of Semperingham through the Gilbertine Priory. The church was rebuilt in the late 1860s - 1875 by James Fowler of Louth. 
Light refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Postcode: LN8 3RL click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May - Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Hainton • St Mary

Hainton St Mary - Photo by David Wright (source)

An estate church of Anglo-Saxon origins, rebuilt in the 13th and 14th centuries and sympathetically restored in the 19th century. The spire was suggested by Capability Brown when he redesigned the park. Inside, there is a “nationally important” series of monuments to the Heneage Family, from a brass of 1435 to a modern memorial of 1954, providing an illustrated history of monumental styles. They are unusual because of the time span for one family. Light refreshments available throughout the day.

Postcode: LN8 6LS, click here to find on Google Maps.

Open 20-21st May, Saturday 10am-4pm • Sunday 11am-4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Visit this church's page on ExploreChurches website here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-hainton

Keelby - St Bartholomew

Keelby - St Bartholomew

Keelby St Bartholomew by David Wright*

Our Grade I listed, 12th century church will be open and decorated. A selection of archive records will be on display with photographs. The hand written roll of honour was of interest to many in the past festivals. There is a memorial to Pte Arthur Jackson who was killed in France in 1917. The churchyard holds Commonwealth War Graves. Refreshments will be served. An opportunity to chime the 3 bells.

Postcode: DN41 8EB click here to find on Google Maps

Visit this church's page on ExploreChurches here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-bartholomew-keelby

Open: 20-21st May - Saturday 10am-4pm • Sunday 12noon-4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

*David Wright [CC BY-SA 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

Swallow - Holy Trinity

Swallow - Holy Trinity
Copyright John Firth and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence

Built over many centuries from 11th to 19th, Holy Trinity is a small village church with a traditional layout. This year’s theme will be the history of Swallow Village, with copies of that history on sale. 

Postcode: LN7 6DL click here to find on Google Maps

Visit our page on ExploreChurches here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/holy-trinity-swallow

Open: 20-21st May - Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 9am - 5pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Market Rasen - Holy Rood

Make a note that music is our theme! Local people, including children, will play and sing pieces ranging from Swing, Folk, Violin, Cello, Introduction to Plain Chant… and not forgetting good all fashioned Sing-a-Longs for all ages. You are most welcome to join in or sit with a tea and cake and enjoy the music. Oh, and there’s a quiz too! The Sixhills Cope and other items of interest will be on display. Check our website for times etc.

Postcode: LN8 3BB click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May - Saturday 10.30am - 5pm, Sunday 12.30pm - 5pm

Visit our page on ExploreChurches here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/holy-rood-market-rasen

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Wragby - Methodist

Wragby Methodist Church - Photo Richard Croft (Creative Commons License)

The present building was built in 1874. The organ was dedicated as the village’s war memorial in 1921 in memory of those who died in WWI and names of those who died in WWII were added. There will be scarecrows around the village and within the church.

 
Postcode: LN8 5RA, click here to find on Google Maps

Visit our chapel on ExploreChurches here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/wragby-methodist-church-wragby

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10.am - 4.30pm • Sunday 12noon - 4.30pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Rothwell - St Mary Magdalene

Rothwell - St Mary Magdalene - Photo Richard Croft (Creative Commons License)

The church was refurbished around 1892 under John & Sedding and H Wilson Architects. A peal of three bells installed 1849. Rehung by Warners of Whitechapel. The cracked middle bell is 15th century. Re-cast treble bell dated 1613. A Forster & Andrews organ installed 1901. Stained glass windows from Burlinson & Grylls, dated 1921, also Glenn Carter, dated 1992. 

 

Display of flowers on theme of Baptism and Baptism Gowns. Hymns and Pimms Service on Sunday at 4pm. Teddy parachute jumping from the tower on Saturday at 3pm.
 
Postcode: LN7 6BB, click here to find on Google Maps

Visit us on ExploreChurches here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-magdalene-rothwell

Open 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Brocklesby - All Saints

Brocklesby All Saints *

Brocklesby Church is situated in the stunning grounds of the Brocklesby Estate and features a 1773 organ restored by James Wyatt, which will be played by the Lincolnshire Organists Association on the Saturday at 12 noon.

The 1773 Organ *

Church Postcode: DN41 8PN, click here to find on Google Maps.

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 11am-5pm • Sunday 11am-4pm

* Photography by Ashley Taylor of Push Creativity for the festival

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Visit this church ExploreChurches here:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-brocklesby

Tealby • All Saints

Tealby All Saints, photo by Gary Brothwell, source

Have a go at ringing our church bells. Our theme is ‘The Bells’. Explore our floral arrangements and everything on display. Explore how we have grown to rely on bells and their everyday uses in our lives. Enjoy a fresh homemade lunch in this Grade I listed building, surrounded by an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Postcode: LN8 3XW, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-tealby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Get the latest news about the festival on email - subscribe to our newsletter - it's free and easy to do, and easy to cancel if you change your mind. Click here to Subscribe to The Churches Festival Blog by Email.

Legsby • St Thomas

Photograph by Richard Croft, source

Early medieval, Norman arches and Norman font bearing traditional double rope carving around top edge. The lychgate entrance is dedicated to those who lost their lives in WWI. Come along and enjoy a peaceful setting. Hot beef rolls served with locally produced beef.

Postcode: LN8 3QW, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 21st May, Sunday 12noon - 3pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-thomas-legsby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Kirkby cum Osgodby • St Andrew

Photograph by Richard Croft, source.

Please note this church is open in 2023, but was not listed in the brochure.

An attractive and interesting medieval church with late Georgian/early Victorian elements containing two very impressive, intricately carved medieval tombs of a local knight and his wife, medieval/tudor bells and a charming organ of unknown provenance which is available to be played.

Refreshments available. No toilets.

Postcode: LN8 3PE, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 10am-5pm.

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-andrew-kirkby-cum-osgodby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Market Rasen • St Thomas

Market Rasen St Thomas, copyright Churches Festival.    Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

This Grade II listed, 12th century parish church has a fine recently renovated tower and roofs, stained glass windows, restored organ and bells. There is parking in the Market Square.

Market Rasen St Thomas interior - Copyright Churches Festival     Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Postcode: LN8 3HL, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm

Click here to find and "like" St Thomas on Facebook.

Click here for more history of the church, including a panoramic from the tower; http://www.marketrasenheritagetour.co.uk/st-thomas

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-thomas-market-rasen

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Wragby • All Saints

Wragby • All Saints
(photo Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

This fine Victorian church has a gallery, a rare organ, a medieval stoup and a fascinating bell tower including 15th century bells. Fine stained glass windows depict ‘Faith, Hope and Charity.’ 

Postcode: LN8 5RA, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am-5pm • Sunday 10am-5pm.

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-wragby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Wickenby • St Peter & St Lawrence

Wickenby • St Peter & St Lawrence
(photo David Hitchborne, Creative Commons Link)

The church contains wonderful medieval artefacts: rare 14th century stained glass, a scratch sundial, an imposing 14th century church door with ancient ironwork, fascinating carved stone heads. There will be a themed exhibition of local history information. 

Postcode: LN3 5AB, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

visit us on ExploreChurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-peter-st-lawrence-wickenby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Thoresway • St Mary

Thoresway • St Mary
(photo David Wright, Creative Commons Link)

St Mary’s nestles is a sleepy village among fields of sheep. It has a Romanesque arch from an original tower, 13th century arcades in the nave and seven floor stones dating from an earlier period. There is a exhibition on the history and origins of the village together with stories of local residents and their lives. A warm welcome awaits those who come to sample our home made cakes and savouries, including our popular gluten free and vegetarian offerings.

Postcode: LN8 3UY, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-thoresway

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Stainfield • St Andrew

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

A unique Queen Anne church in picturesque parkland on the Viking Way that was reconsecrated in 1711; Sir Christopher Wren is reputed to have designed the building. Home to the magnificent 18th century Tyrwhitt Tapestries, the local legend of the Wild Man of Stainfield and displays relating to the nunnery and village history. There will be a musical programme in the church on the Saturday 20th; details on United Parish of Bardney Facebook page, and in the poster below. Refreshments are available all weekend.

 

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*
The Tyrwhitt Tapestries dating from 1711 permanently displayed in church,

Postcode: LN8 5JJ, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm.

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-andrew-stainfield

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
 
*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Southrey • St John the Divine

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

2023 sees the 125th anniversary of the building of our beautiful church, by the Revd Laing, Richard Turner, John Knox and the Southrey villagers themselves. Come and learn about its history and the stories of the many wonderful people who have cared for it throughout the intervening years, creating a unique historic gem in the heart of Lincolnshire.

Stained glass window, Southrey church, Photography by
 Julian P Guffogg and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

Postcode: LN3 5TA, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-john-divine-southrey

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Snelland • All Saints

Snelland • All Saints 
(image Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

This beautiful atmospheric church dates back to the 12th century. It contains beautiful carved stone medieval faces and a rare “Leper’s window” that enabled succour to be passed to those with leprosy who had to stay outside the church. Ancient sundial on south elevation. Thomas Retford, vicar, courageously gave his life in the Lincolnshire Rising.

The leper's window at Snelland

Postcode: LN3 5AA, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-snelland

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Snarford • St Lawrence

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Nothing about the rather unremarkable exterior of this small medieval church prepares you for the breathtaking surprise of the interior. St Lawrence has some of the most spectacular memorial sculptures in Lincolnshire. The largest, from the 1580s, features life-size figures of Sir Thomas St Paul and his wife, members of a dynasty of rich lawyer politicians. Sir Thomas  reclines, dressed in armour with a gold chain round his neck, his wife lies beside him elegantly dressed with a ruff and head dress.

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Nearby the Jacobean Sir George reclines with his formidable wife Lady France and their only child, the tragic Mattathia.  

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Lady Frances appears again with her second husband, the unsavoury Earl of Warwick.

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

The church is cared for by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Their page on this church

https://www.visitchurches.org.uk/visit/church-listing/st-lawrence-snarford.html

Postcode: LN8 3SL, click here to find on Google Maps

Open:20-21st May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-lawrence-snarford

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Searby cum Owmby • St Nicholas

Searby cum Owmby • St Nicholas
(photo David Hitchborne, Creative Commons Link)

In a quiet rural location, the 1830s’ St Nicholas is brick built, light and peaceful, with stained glass windows, late 1800s’ hand carved oak rood screen and oak pews with each end having carved emblems depicting the apostles and tribes of Israel. The belfry will be open to view the static bells rung from an “Ellacombe Apparatus” and the 1860s’ clock made and installed by Benson’s of London. There is a WWI memorial plaque. Organ dating 1895, east window dating from 1990 was reclaimed from a church in Eton.


Postcode: DN38 6BQ, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 20-21st May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 5pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-nicholas-searby-cum-owmby

Click these links to find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.