St.Nicholas' Parish Church site

 

The church lies just south of the castle remains across the moat. This was built by the Normans and was used as the castle chapel. It was savagely damaged by the Roundheads during the Civil War. Only the Nave and Tower remain of the original cruciform building.

 

Although the arches are Norman and show the original frescoes, a claim was made by Dr. Green, Rector in 1805, that;

 

"in rebuilding the church at his own expense about twenty years before, he had no assistance except that the Duke of Rutland and Lord Calthorpe, joint proprietors of the borough, each gave £25, Magdalen College £50 and Mr. Lidbetter, an opulent local farmer, £20 ; but the Duke of Norfolk, Lord of the Manor, nothing!"

 

This "rebuilding" refers to the re-errection of the tower arches, the space between being converted into a chancel. New windows in Norman style were inserted in 1871 to bring the east end into harmony with the nave. Restored to original state it is a good example of a Norman church.

 

 

Visit the St.Nicholas' Parish Church site.

 

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