Blyborough • St Alkmund

Blyborough - St Alkmund by  Ian S and
 licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

St Alkmund Church is a Grade 1 Listed Building. A church at Blyborough is mentioned in the Domesday Book. St Alkmund’s is set in a delightful churchyard full of wild flowers, sloping down to the ornamental lake of Blyborough Hall. The Georgian tower is decorated with reused medieval gargoyles. One of them of an eagle with a woman’s face, looks straight at you as you walk up the churchyard path! Inside the church, much more is preserved of the ancient building, including a tall Early English three bay north arcade with circular piers, keeled responds, stiff leaf capitals and double chamfered arches.

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

Visit this church's page on the Explore Churches website here:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-alkmund-blyborough

Open: 18th-19th May, Saturday 11am-4pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

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Willingham by Stow - St Helen

Willingham by Stow, St Helen - 

Image lincolnian on Flicker CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

There will be displays in church from local craftspeople and a concert Saturday evening performed by local artists, 7pm start in the church. Lunches will not be served but sausage and bacon baps will be available in the morning and tea/coffee and cakes all day.

 Postcode: DN21 5JY, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Visit our page on ExploreChurches.org here:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-helen-willingham-stow



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Scotter - St Peter

Scotter - St Peter (by Jonathan Billinger source)

Our beautiful church has parts dating back to the 11th century, and unique 17th century ‘Ringers Rhymes’. Bell ringers will give short demonstration and you can try your hand at bell ringing with the Lincoln Guild ringing simulator or, (suitable for 10 years upwards) a real bell. The able bodied can climb the tower to view the bells and our 1848 James Harrison clock in its original case with notation and graffiti (small fee). Our popular plant sale on Saturday.

Postcode: DN21 3RZ click here to find on Google Maps

Visit our page on ExploreChurches.org here
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-peter-scotter


Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 4pm • Sunday 11.30am - 4pm.

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

Gainsborough United Reformed Church

Gainsborough United Reformed Church - Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

The church was built in 1897 as a memorial to John Robinson, pastor of the Mayflower Pilgrims. We hold a permanent Pilgrim exhibition in our Mayflower Room. The two manual pipe organ built in 1903 by Forster and Andrews is listed by the British Institute of Organ Studies as an instrument of national heritage importance.

The Mayflower Room - Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

The two manual pipe organ built in 1903 by Forster and Andrews -

 Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

The church has its own website which can be visited here: Gainsborough United Reformed Church.

Postcode: DN21 2JR, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 3pm • Sunday 1pm - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on exploreChurches:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/gainsborough-urc-gainsborough

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

*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Laughton • All Saints

Laughton • All Saints, image Richard Croft: Source

Warm and friendly old church Bodley restoration ceiling, chancel, rood screen, reredos (restored 2016). Large medieval knight for brass rubbing. War memorial book viewing. Choral music, Sunday - 2:30pm.

Details of the Evensong (additional to the brochure)

All Saints, Laughton, Sunday, 19 May 2023, 2.30 pm onwards

Music ancient and modern sung by the Trentcliffe Church Choir

Laughton’s resident Trentcliffe Church Choir and church organist will be performing an informal repertoire of music old and new at All Saints as part of this year’s West Lindsey Churches Festival, which takes place in May. 

Free and open to all, the festival is a great chance to take a look inside some of the most beautiful buildings in the district. The oldest building in Laughton, All Saints has been a part of village life since the twelfth century, marking milestones in the lives of many, many villagers, and its bell continues to chime the hours now as it did then, punctuating the days of the schoolchildren opposite and anyone waiting for the bus on the village green down the lane. 

The small local ensemble, who have been performing together for over a decade and often practise at Laughton on a Tuesday evening, sing at services, feast days and festivals throughout the church calendar year, as well as at weddings and funerals. Their patch is the Trentcliffe Group of parishes and occasionally Gainsborough; and the music they perform includes psalms and hymns, sung liturgy and modern church music. 

A warm welcome is extended to everyone to come and listen while soaking up the atmosphere of this Grade I listed medieval church with its striking Victorian painted chancel ceiling and tripych. Refreshments will be served during the weekend, and the event is informal so you can come and go as you like.

Postcode: DN21 3PP, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm.

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

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.

Glentworth St Michael - Photo David Hitchborne Source

Postcode: DN21 5DG, click here to find on Google Maps

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on Explorechurches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-michael-glentworth

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

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

Gainsborough - St Thomas of Canterbury

Situated in Cross Street which is small and narrow, the church and the house were built in 1866. The church is decorated in Pugin style and is only a five minute walk from Marshall’s Yard retail centre. North Street and Roseway car parks are also nearby. There will be a costume and textile display as well as information about the WWI memorial. Additional information about the convent school. Refreshments will include tea, coffee and cake.

Parking in nearby Marshall’s Yard Retail Park.

Visit the church's own website here: St Thomas Gainsborough

Postcode: DN21 2AX, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 9am - 5pm • Sunday 10.30am - 5pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

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

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

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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Waddingham • St Mary & St Peter

Waddingham • St Mary & St Peter
(photo Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

Situation is east of main village on a high mound; a very peaceful location. Originally two churches stood here but now only this one remains. Stations of the Cross are mounted on the walls around the church. (History of the church leaflets available and graveyard plans also available). Plant stall selling a variety of locally grown items.

The church has its own website here: 

https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/14904/

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

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

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches: 
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-mary-st-peter-waddingham

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

Upton cum Kexby • All Saints

A jigsaw church of many periods from Anglo-Saxon to Victorian. There will be a display of kneelers. Please note car parking will not be available in the Rose and Crown car park but available in cemetery car park in Church Road.

Postcode: DN21 5NQ, click here to find on Google Maps 

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10.30am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

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

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

Snitterby • St Nicholas

Snitterby • St Nicholas
(photo by David Wright, Creative Commons Link)

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, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

visit us on ExploreChurches:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-nicholas-snitterby

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

Scotton • St Genewys

Scotton • St Genewys
(photo David Wright, Creative Commons Link)

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 Burood. Guided visits to our tower roof will be available if conditions allow, 2-4 pm on Saturday, or by arrangement.

 

Postcode: DN21 3RB, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 11am - 4pm • Sunday 11am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-genewys-scotton

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

Pilham • All Saints

Pilham - Copyright Churches Festival - Photo: 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.

Pilham - Copyright Churches Festival - Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Postcode: DN21 3NU, click here to find on Google Maps

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 5pm • Sunday 10am - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on Explore Churches
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/all-saints-pilham

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

*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Northorpe • St John the Baptist

Northorpe • St John the Baptist
(photo Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

Standing on a mound in the centre of the village our church is an unknown gem. The capitals of the sturdy pillars are decorated with scallops, all different. There are intriguing masons marks on one of them, a 1498 incised slab, a 1595 brass and a medieval altar stone. Exhibition of Northorpe memories.

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

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 12noon - 4pm • Sunday 12noon - 4pm.

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches:
https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-john-baptist-northorpe

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

Morton • St Paul

Morton St Paul and its labyrinth

St Paul’s welcomes visitors to view its collection of ten windows designed by Sir Edward Burne-Jones, who worked on them with William Morris. The carpet in front of the altar is also of a William Morris design. Font of Frosterley marble surmounted by a fine canopy. The Augustus Gern organ was built in 1891 and the organ case is a wonderful piece of craftsmanship. A warm welcome and delicious refreshments.

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity*

Morton • St Paul
(photo Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

Postcode: DN21 3AD

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

Get Involved and Spread the Word! 

Visit us on ExploreChurches:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-paul-morton

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

*Photo: Ashley Taylor, Push Creativity

Knaith • St Mary

St Mary's Knaith, photograph by Eddy Overson

Described as “odd, but delightful with stunning views of the River Trent”, St Mary’s curious appearance reflects an intriguing and calamitous history. The church dates from c1330 and has interesting features including a superb Gothic font, a fine Jacobean pulpit complete with tester, medieval pew ends, and an unusual altar Baldacchino among many other amazing artefacts. A free guided tour is available with tales of naughty nuns, civil war intrigue and fabulous fortunes won, lost and given away.

St Mary’s English Decorated period Gothic font has been described thus:
“This very splendid font is we think altogether the handsomest we ever saw…”

Postcode: DN21 5PE, click here to find on Google Maps

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

Get Involved and Spread the Word! 

Visit us on ExploreChurches:

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

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

Kirton in Lindsey • St Andrew

Kirton in Lindsey • St Andrew
(photo Richard Croft, Creative Commons Link)

Our beautiful, peaceful church has recently become a Local Ecumenical Partnership, including Anglicans, Baptists and Methodists who worship together. Flower displays, church archives, displays of historical photographs of the church and town, organ music and activities for children where appropriate. Very many historical features and links to Henry VIII are part of the great history of this church. The bell ringing chamber has a magnificently decorated ceiling.

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

Open: 18-19th May, Saturday 10am - 4.30pm • Sunday 12.15pm - 4pm

Get Involved and Spread the Word!

Visit us on ExploreChurches:

https://www.explorechurches.org/church/st-andrew-kirton-lindsey

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