Coates St Edith's Church

St Edith's Church, Coates

St Edith's church, Coates, stands is a lonely reminder of the past. There is no village; the church stands beside farm buildings in a small copse of trees. The building is very simple, with a small chancel, nave, and bellcote. The origins of the building are 12th century, with some later additions.

Why, then, given this unassuming exterior, should you be interested in a visit to Coates church? The answer lies in the interior, where you will find the only 15th-century rood screen in Lincolnshire. The screen, in simple Early English style, has been sensitively restored. Opposite the entrance is a lovely royal coat of arms dating to 1635.

In the gallery above the rood screen is a painted figure of the Virgin Mary, just visible against the wood panelling.

In the chancel are several attractive brasses to William Butler (d. 1590) and his wife, and an alabaster memorial to Brian Cooke (d. 1653). The brasses are well worth studying; they clearly show the style of clothing worn in the late 16th and early 17th centuries.

Outside the south door is a rather startling urn in classical style, commemorating the Maltby family.

Given its diminutive size, you won't stay long at Coates, but you will enjoy it; it is a lovely church with an unmistakable atmosphere of peace.

Just a mile to the west of Coates is Stow Minster, a superb Saxon church.

NB Coates is sometimes called Coates by Stow.