Cadney - All Saints

 

David Hitchborne, Cadney cum Howsham - All Saints, CC BY-SA 2.0

Grade I All Saints church is a hidden treasure. Built from Claxby Ironstone, parts date back to the 12th century. It is a beautiful, peaceful calm place to visit. 

Exhibition on former vicar of Cadney Revd E A Woodruff Peacock. He spent 29 years living in Cadney, and was a renowned botanist, while walking around Cadney and nearby Howsham, he would always carry a special notebook for collecting plant specimens and recording all the details, where he collected the specimen from, what the soil was like, what time of year it was etc. He had a collection of over 8,000 plant specimens.

Much of his collection is now in the Natural History Museum.

Postcode: DN20 9HS

Open: 17th - 18th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Photo: David Hitchborne, Cadney cum Howsham - All Saints, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Barnetby le Wold - St Mary

Pete Burnett, St Mary's, Barnetby Le Wold, CC BY-SA 2.0

St Mary’s dates back to the 11th century and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. It was extended in the 14th century with a tower with three bells that were made locally in Grasby. Outside on the south wall is a stone carving of a cat above one of the windows. 

The church is no longer used for worship and now looked after by The Churches Conservation Trust. It is on the edge of the village within the church graveyard. 

Exhibition of its history during the weekend.

Postcode: DN38 6JL

Open: 17th - 18th May, Saturday 12noon - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm

Photo: Pete Burnett, St Mary's, Barnetby Le Wold, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Barnetby le Wold - St Barnabas

Gary Brothwell, St Barnabas' Church, Barnetby Le Wold, CC BY-SA 2.0

The church was built in 1926/27 to replace the existing wooden church and be more central than the 11th century St Mary’s which is sited on the edge of the village. It was unfinished as money ran out! Beautiful coloured ceiling painted in railway colours.

Refreshments served over the weekend.

Exhibition on “History of Barnetby” during the weekend.

Postcode: DN38 6JE

Open: 17th - 18th May, Saturday 12noon - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm

Photo: Gary Brothwell, St Barnabas' Church, Barnetby Le Wold, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Epworth - Wesley Memorial Methodist

 

Wesley Memorial Methodist, Epworth (photograph from church's website)

Built as a lasting memorial to John and Charles Wesley - opened on 15 September 1889. Visitors can see the famous stained glass window and the communion table which once stood in St Andrew’s church and was used by Samuel Wesley to celebrate communion.

Postcode: DN9 1EP

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm

Photo provided by the church

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Visit this church's website

Epworth, Scunthorpe & Gainsborough Methodist Circuit

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Bottesford - St Peter Ad Vincula

 

St Peter ad Vincula, Parish Church, Bottesford, by Christ Morgan

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, the breath-taking Grade I listed Early English style building largely dates from the 13th century with a later 14th century tower which houses a ring of six bells dating from 1710 to 2002 and rung regularly. 

A warm welcome awaits those who come to quietly experience the incredible craftsmanship of our ancestors with some fascinating features. Enjoy light refreshments which will be available 2pm-4.30pm both days. Well behaved dogs welcome.

Postcode: DN16 3RD 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 4.30pm • Sunday 12noon - 4.30pm

Photo: Chris Morgan, St Peter ad Vincula, Parish Church, Bottesford, CC BY-SA 2.0

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South Carlton - St John the Baptist

Richard Croft, St John the Baptist's church, South Carlton, CC BY-SA 2.0

Additional to the printed brochure - but open for you to visit! 

South Carlton Church (Grade I listed) is beautifully situated below the cliff edge north of Lincoln.

Although remodelled by Teulon in 1859, the Norman chancel arch and reconstructed 13th century arcades bear witness to the church's early origins. 

Home since the 16th century for the Monson family, there is a magnificent 17th century memorial to Sir John and Lady Jane Monson. Newly repaired and conserved in 2024, the monument is again open to visitors. The private Monson mausoleum is located on the north of the church. 

Postcode: LN1 2RH 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 4pm.

Photo: Richard Croft, St John the Baptist's church, South Carlton, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Swallow - Holy Trinity

John Firth, Holy Trinity Church Swallow, CC BY-SA 2.0

Holy Trinity church was started in the Norman period, but after numerous extensions and improvements over the next five centuries went into something of a decline until it was restored by the Victorians, by which time the village also had two Methodist Chapels (both now demolished). 

The font and the base of the tower are of the earliest period, while piscina is somewhat later, but most of what you can see belongs to the nineteenth century restoration including some rather nice stained glass in the west and south windows and a couple of memorial plaques. The War Memorial is in the churchyard and commemorates three villagers who lost their lives during WWI.

Postcode: LN7 6DL 

Open: 17th-18th May - Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm • Sunday 9:30am - 5:30pm

Photo: John Firth, Holy Trinity Church Swallow, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Coates by Stow • St Edith

Photos: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

The glory of St Edith’s is its medieval woodwork. Magnificent rood screen with its loft and oak boarded tympanum dominates the church. It is the only surviving example in Lincolnshire. Please come and see our wonderful church mice.

The Church is an architectural gem, an oasis of peace and serenity located in the midst of a busy, working farm. 

It is a living place of worship with regular services.

Postcode: LN1 2DW 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10.30am - 5pm • Sunday 10.30am - 5pm

Photo: Copyright Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity.

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Photos: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Almost every century has made a distinctive contribution to the structure, a testimony to the many people whose spiritual home it has been. Amazingly it escaped the ravages of the Reformation and rebellion, aided, no doubt by the moated situation. 

Photos: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

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Photos: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Rothwell - St Mary Magdalene

Richard Croft, Rothwell, St Mary Magdalene, CC BY-SA 2.0

Major parts of the church date from the Norman period and the Anglican parish register dates from 1562. There are nine rich Norman arches in the nave. The tower was originally Saxon. The church was repaired and enlarged in 1849. 

Display of flowers.

 
Postcode: LN7 6BB

Open 17th-18th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Photo: Richard Croft, Rothwell, St Mary Magdalene, CC BY-SA 2.0

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South Kelsey • St Mary

David Wright, South Kelsey St Mary, CC BY-SA 2.0

St Mary’s church was originally built around 1228 and rebuilt in 1795 leaving the original tower in place. 

There are brass effigies of Sir Richard Hansard and his wife Joan from the 15th century. 

Exhibitions of local history. 

Postcode: LN7 6PH, 

Open: 11-12th May, Saturday 10.30am - 5pm • Sunday 10.30am - 5pm

Photo: David Wright, South Kelsey St Mary, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Holton le Moor • St Luke

Holton le Moor, St Luke. Photo J.Hannan-Briggs, CC BY-SA 2.0

A warm welcome to our outstanding village church with 13th century features set within a beautiful churchyard. 80 years since the end of WWII so our theme is ‘The Stanley Perry Exhibition’. 

Captain Perry was the last surviving Tank Commanding Officer of the Sherwood Ranger Yeomanry. Many fascinating memorabilia items of his life and war time career are featured. Stanley was afforded a military funeral at St Luke’s in 2021. 

Light refreshments and free books too.

Postcode: LN7 6AG

Open: 17-18th May, Saturday 10:30am-4pm • Sunday 10:30am-4pm. 

Photo: Holton le Moor, St Luke. Photo J.Hannan-Briggs, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Stained glass window, St Luke's church, Holton le Moor.
Photo J.Hannan-Briggs, source

Glentworth • St Michael

Glentworth St Michael (photo provided by the church)

St Michael’s church is a superb late 11th century church with a stained glass window by Charles Kempe in the Saxon tower. 

It has a fine marble tomb of Sir Christopher Wray, Chief Justice of England during Elizabeth I’s reign, with his wife and children and is an Elizabethan gem. 

Three of his children played leading roles in the spread of puritan ideas between 1600 and 1620 and were associated with the Mayflower Pilgrims that sailed to America from Boston.

Postcode: DN21 5DG, 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Photo: provided by the church 

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Detail from the Wray marble tomb (photo Angela Montague)

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Willoughton • St Andrew

Willoughton • St Andrew
(photo by Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

Apologies, this church is no longer open for the 2024 festival. 

Please check our 'Changes' page for other changes to the brochure:

churchesfestival.info/brochure-changes

The church was partially rebuilt in 1794. A new West End Tower and Nave were built on to the 13th century Chancel. It was a typical George III church with a gallery at the West end and box pews. These have been swept away with the subsequent Victorian restoration in 1888, leaving behind the church seen today. 

The remains of the Nicholas Sutton Tomb in the Sanctuary and the blocked up medieval perpendicular two-light window in the South wall of the chancel are the only surviving evidence of the earlier church.

Postcode:  DN21 4BT, click here to find on Google Maps.

Open: 18-19th May,  Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

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Spridlington - St Hilary

Spridlington St Hilary's by Brian (Flickr) CC BY-SA 2.0

Enclosed by tall horse chestnut trees, St Hilary’s is an unusual late Victorian church designed by James Fowler of Louth in 1873. 

Look for the high tower with saddleback roof, the stained glass windows (particularly the Nativity scenes in the West window) and the Victorian woodwork in the chancel. 

The beautiful restored Thomas Nicholson organ is a point of interest.

Postcode: LN8 2DE

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Photo: Spridlington St Hilary's by Brian (Flickr) CC BY-SA 2.0 

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Pipes of the restored Thomas Nicholson Organ

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Snitterby • St Nicholas

David Wright, Snitterby Church, CC BY-SA 2.0

Our church is a little gem because it has several unique features. It has a stone exterior and a warm brick interior typical of James Fowler (rebuilt in 1866). 

The tower was rebuilt in 1894. Recent tower restoration work in 2022. 

Visit us and enjoy a warm welcome and light refreshments in our lovely church. Cake stall and book stall.

Postcode: DN21 4TY, 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Photo: David Wright, Snitterby Church, CC BY-SA 2.0

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Scotton • St Genewys

St Genewys church, Scotton by J.Hannan-Briggs CC BY-SA 2.0

Theme: ‘Church Mice’. Displays, flower arrangements, activities and a family-friendly ‘church mouse hunt’. 

Grade I listed St Genewys is a mainly 13th century church with the top of the tower in the later

Perpendicular style. 

Wall memorial to John Morley, Rector 1711-1731, a patron of John Wesley. Hatchment of Fredricks’ family; sometime Lord of the Manor, patron and Baronet of Burwood.

Postcode: DN21 3RB, 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Photo: St Genewys church, Scotton by J.Hannan-Briggs CC BY-SA 2.0

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Saxilby • St Botolph

Saxilby, St Botolph by Brian on Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Predominantly 14th/15th century, the building has fine examples of other architectural styles over a period of 900 years, including a late 10th/early 11th century grave cover fragment and a small Norman doorway. 

Other things to discover include 14th century tomb chest supporting alabaster knight & lady figures, a fine Victorian William Hill organ, imposing 1935 Ninian Comper stained glass window and the pre-reformation ‘Saxilby (music) fragment’.

 

Visit the church's own website here http://www.saxilbyparishchurch.co.uk/

Postcode: LN1 2PE, 

Open: 10-11h May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 12noon - 5pm

Photo: Saxilby • St Botolph by Brian on Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

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Saxby • St Helen

Saxby • St Helen
(photo by David Hitchborne, Creative Commons Link)

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The church and family mausoleum is believed to have been designed by Lancelot “Capability” Brown – built c1775 whilst working for Richard 4th Earl Scarborough. Brown designed several churches (including Compton Verney in Warwickshire and Combe D’Abitot in Worcestershire), whilst carrying out his landscape commissions on estates around the country. The church is a wonderful example of the classical style he used.
 

More on the Capability Brown connection here
http://brightwatergardens.co.uk/the-capability-brown-connection/

Postcode: LN8 2DH, click here to find on Google Maps

Open 13-14th May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

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Pilham • All Saints

Pilham - Copyright Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Believed to be one of the smallest churches in England to include a vestry and apse. 

Comments from visitors often use the words ‘quaint’, ‘peaceful’, ‘charming’, stunning’, ‘small but perfect’. 

We keep displays compact to let the building speak for itself but there will be flowers and some church records available for visitors to look through.

Postcode: DN21 3NU

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Photo: Copyright Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

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*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Owmby by Spital • St Peter & St Paul

David Wright, Owmby Church, CC BY-SA 2.0

A beautiful Norman church, entrance at the base of the partly medieval tower with belfry windows. This has three bells dating from 1687, one of which is in use. 

12th century arcade separates nave from aisle, its pointed arches rest on large based pillars, some with ancient graffiti. 

Entrance archway and font are Saxon. The capitals are decorated with bold leaf carvings. Chancel and stained glass window behind the altar are later editions. 

Themed exhibitions ‘History of the villages and the churches' with items on loan from Lincoln Archives.

Postcode: LN8 2HN, 

Open: 10-11th May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 4.30pm.

Photo: David Wright, Owmby Church, CC BY-SA 2.0

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