England
Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire Travel Guide - Historic Churches

All Saints, Gainsborough   A Georgian town church in classical style, modeled after St Martin-in-the-Fields, London. The tower is Perpendicular Gothic, dating from the 144th century. The interior is painted in hues of lilac, gold, and white, with large classical columns supporting galleries on two sides. Church Street, Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, England, DN21 2JR Attraction Type: Church Location: In the centre of the town. Paid parking nearby. Location map Details of All Saints, Gainsborough OS SK814901 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Barton upon Humber, St Peters Church    A remarkable historic church, combining an essentially complete 10th century Saxon tower and a medieval nave and chancel. In addition to the wonderful historic architecture, however, St Peters is famous for its bones. Extensive archaeological excavation in the cemetery unearthed over 2800 skeletal remains dating back to the late 8th century, making St Peters the largest resource in Britain for historical bone analysis. Barton upon Humber, Lincolnshire, England, DN18 5EX Attraction Type: Church Location: No parking onsite, but plenty of parking in Barton upon Humber in nearby streets. Website: Barton upon Humber, St Peters Church English Heritage Location map OS TA034219 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Boston Stump   St Botolph's church, popularly known as the Boston Stump, boasts the highest tower (exclusive of spire) of any parish church in the country. It is a largely 14th century building, though the striking tower is 15th and 16th century. The building, particularly the exterior and the famous tower, is superb, and must represent one of the high points of English church architecture. The Stump has close ties with the Pilgrim Fathers and the founding of America. 1 Wormgate, Boston, Lincolnshire, England, PE21 6NP Attraction Type: Church Location: Just off the market square. Lots of paid parking nearby. The church is well signposted for pedestrians, but the signs are superfluous given the easily viewable tower! Website: Boston Stump Location map Details of Boston Stump OS TF326441 Heritage Highlight: 15th century tower Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Coates Church   A quiet country church boasting some attractive Elizabethan brasses and the only 15th century rood screen in Lincolnshire. A mile to the west is Stow Minster Saxon church. Stow, Lincolnshire, England Attraction Type: Church Location: On a minor road signposted from Stow. Details of Coates Church OS SK907830 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Heckington, St Andrews   One of the finest medieval parish churches in Lincolnshire. Heckington boasts a superb Easter Sepulchre, one of the best in England. This 14th century church boasts superb Decorated Gothic carving and the architectural detail makes it one of the most memorable churches from this period. Church Street, Heckington, Lincolnshire, England, NG34 9RJ Attraction Type: Church Location: In the centre of the village Location map Details of Heckington, St Andrews OS TF142441 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Kettlethorpe Church   A restored medieval church notable for its association with Katherine Swynford, wife of John of Gaunt. Katherine lived at the manor of Kettlethorpe before 1371, while she was married to Sir Hugh Swynford. A gateway arch (restored) from that manor still stands, and there is a medieval cross in the churchyard. Kettlethorpe, Lincolnshire, England, LN1 2LE Attraction Type: Church Location: In the centre of the village, beside Kettlethorpe Hall. Accessed from the A156 just west of Saxilby. Free parking. Location map Details of Kettlethorpe Church OS SK848757 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Kingerby, St Peter Church   A redundant country church worth visiting for its medieval memorials to the Disney family, ancestors of film-maker Walt Disney. There are three 14th century memorials, two effigies to William Disney, father and son. The elder Disney fought with the Black Prince, the younger died in the terrible Black Death of 1349. The final Disney memorial is a very unusual carved tomb slab with a floriated cross where the body should be. Kingerby, Lincolnshire, England, LN8 3PF Attraction Type: Church Location: On the minor road through Kingerby, off the A1103 about 6 miles NW of Market Rasen. Free parking, mostly level access. Website: Kingerby, St Peter Church Churches Conservation Trust Location map Details of Kingerby, St Peter Church OS TF057928 Heritage Highlight: Disney memorials Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lincoln Cathedral   If Lincoln were merely an empty shell, it would still deserve a visit for the extraordinary exterior. Here is art in stone. The west front, in particular, is magnificent in its use of sculptural detail and the richness of its design. Lincoln was largely rebuilt beginning in 1186 after a fire destroyed the earlier Norman church. Under the direction of Hugh of Avalon (Great Saint Hugh), the choir and eastern transepts were built, followed (1215-55) by the nave and chapter house. The angel choir is a masterpiece of the Decorated style. Look up at the central tower. It rises to 271 feet. Now imagine a spire extending another 284 feet up! That tower fell down in 1548. In the south east porch is the "Judgement Portal", with its marvellous relief carvings of Christ presiding over the Last Day, and in the choir is the "crazy vault" of intertwining ribs crisscrossing the bay. Everywhere you look are incredible carvings in wood and stone. Plan on spending a long time at Lincoln Cathedral. Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, LN2 1PZ Attraction Type: Cathedral Website: Lincoln Cathedral Email: visitors@lincolncathedral.com Phone: 01522 544 544 Location map Details of Lincoln Cathedral OS SK977 718 Heritage Highlight: Look for the Lincoln Imp carving, and the 'crazy vaulting' Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Marton Church   A small parish church which dates mostly to the 11th century, with much evidence of late Saxon work. The west tower features traditional herringbone Saxon stonework, and there is a Saxon cross shaft embedded in the wall of the tower. In the chancel is an unusual 12th century stone crucifix. High Street, Marton, Lincolnshire, England, DN21 5AN Attraction Type: Church Location: On the A156. Parking on street. Keyholder nearby (see notice in church porch). Location map Details of Marton Church OS SK839817 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Snarford, St Lawrence Church   A small country church boasting three superb monuments to the St Paul family from the Elizabethan and Jacobean period. The church is primarily 14th century, with a 15th century octagonal font featuring some superb carvings, including that of a pagan 'Green Man'. Pride of place goes to the St Paul tombs, some of the finest in the country. These ornate gilded and colourfully painted memorials date from 1582 to 1634, and are well worth a visit. Snarford, Lincolnshire, England, LN8 3SL Attraction Type: Church Location: Just off the A46 north of Welton Hill. Parking along the verge. Website: Snarford, St Lawrence Church Churches Conservation Trust Location map Details of Snarford, St Lawrence Church OS TF050824 Heritage Highlight: Superb St Paul monuments Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

St Mary-le-Wigford   The church dates to the late Saxon period, with a tall tower that may date to 980 AD, and an Early English nave. Limited opening hours. Set into the west wall of the church is a Roman grave stone which was later uused as a dedication tablet in the Saxon period. Inside, there are several fine Jacobean tombs, and a 14th century carved font. St Mary Street, Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England, LN5 7EQ Attraction Type: Church Location: At the lower end of High Street. Website: St Mary-le-Wigford Phone: (+44) 01522 529364 Location map Details of St Mary-le-Wigford OS SK975709 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Stow Minster   St Mary's, Stow, is one of the most ancient parish churches in the country. It superbly combines examples of Saxon, Norman, and medieval architecture under one roof. A 10th century representation of a Viking longship is scratched on the chancel arch. In the north transept is a 13th century wall painting of St Thomas a Becket. The font features a Green Man carving and a dragon, or serpent at the base. Stow, Lincolnshire, England, LN1 2DF Attraction Type: Church Location: In the centre of the village. Limited parking along the verge. Stow is on the B1241, just north of the Fosse Way (A1500) Website: Stow Minster Location map Details of Stow Minster OS SK881819 Heritage Highlight: 10th century Viking longboat carving Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Tattershall Church   A huge Perpendicular Gothic church located immediately beside Tattershall Castle. The church has some lovely medieval stained glass, and a superb 15th century stone pulpitum, in addition to a collection of medieval brasses. Light and spacious, the interior Tattershall church is awe inspiring. Tattershall, Lincolnshire, England, LN4 4LR Attraction Type: Church Location: Immediately beside Tattershall Castle, signposted parking off the main A153 road through the town. Location map Details of Tattershall Church OS TF212575 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Walesby Church   A small church on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds. All Saints is known as The Rambler's Church, as for many years it afforded shelter (both spiritual and physical!) to walkers on the Viking Way long distance foot path, which runs right past its door. The interior of the church features delightful carved head decoration on the nave pillars. A stained glass window depicting walkers and cyclists was donated by the Grimsby Wayfarers Association. Walesby, Lincolnshire, England, LN8 3XA Attraction Type: Church Location: Up a short track, signposted from the centre of the village. The ascent is relatively steep and can be muddy in wet weather. Usually open at all times. Location map Details of Walesby Church OS TF138924 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts