Tetford, St Mary

Tetford, St Mary

The present building is 14th century, built of local greenstone with 15th century tower. Outside is a headstone to two gypsies, Tyso Boswell and Edward Hearn, killed by lightning on the eve of Horncastle Fair in 1831. Memorial to Captain Edward Dymoke, champion of George II. His helmet and breastplate are above the tablet high on the arch on the right-hand side of the main area of worship.

Opening times 14th September (Sunday only)

Saturday: not open 

Sunday: noon - 5pm

Postcode: LN9 6QH

Photo by Josh Holmes

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West Ashby, All Saints

West Ashby All Saints *

Grade I listed, originating late middle-ages. 19th century restoration, partly in memory of Victorian songwriter, Claribel. Oscar Wilde came to the church whilst visiting his uncle, the vicar. 

Interesting features include Victorian stained glass, late medieval font and windows and curious masonic gravestone outside south porch. 

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 10am–4pm
Sunday 10am–4pm

Postcode: LN9 5PU

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*Photo by Ashley Taylor at Push Creativity

Thimbleby, St Margaret

Thimbleby St Margaret (church's own photo),

This Grade II listed church was rebuilt in 1879, with the addition of a tower, apiol chancel and an elevated roof. Unfortunately, certain materials were used which have resulted in considerable problems, the major one being the failure of the spire. The details of the reasons for the failure, the raising of funds, the rebuilding of the tower and the replacement of the spire are shown in a photographic exhibition. There is a beautiful stone reredos, commemorating the last supper, and three interesting memorial windows.

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 9am–5pm
Sunday 9am–5pm

Postcode: LN9 5RE

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Minting, St Andrew

Minting appears in the Domesday book and is the site of a priory linked to the French Abbey of St Benedict on Loire. The church was rebuilt in 1863, although the chancel is mainly original. It contains the remains of two naively carved stone slabs found in the churchyard and are believed to date to the 13th century. Minting is a ‘thankful village’ and we have commemorative plaques remembering all those who safely returned from WW1. St Andrew’s continues to be a place of worship with one service per month, as well as annual Harvest and Christmas services. Displays of local history and live music played during the festival. Postcode LN9 5RS

Opening Times: 7-8th September
Saturday 10am-3pm
Sunday 10am-3pm

Postcode: LN9 5RS

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Picture Credit Push Creativity

Mareham on the Hill, All Saints

Mareham on the Hill, All Saints (photo by Philip Stainton)

Interesting exhibition of the History of the Church and surrounding villages over time, containing stories and pictures. The church has recently undergone renovation to the internal East Wall, along with the replacement of all three windows, completed during the summer of 2023. 

Mareham on the Hill (photo by David Montague)

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 10am–4pm
Sunday 10am–4pm

Postcode: LN9 6PQ

Photo: exterior image by church (Philip Stainton) 

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Horncastle, St Mary

Horncastle St Mary's (photo Ashley Taylor for ExploreChurches)

St Mary’s is a large town centre church with a well-documented history, historical scythes possibly from the Lincolnshire Rising, Civil War History, connections with the local Dymoke Family who serve as the King’s Champion. There are beautiful stained glass windows, carved angels and 100 embroidered kneelers. There is a thriving bookstall and light refreshments will be available. On Saturday, there is a town market and local shops open.

Parking is available at local supermarkets and The Wong.

The Lady Chapel (photo Ashley Taylor for ExploreChurches)

The guilded angels in the nave roof (photo Ashley Taylor for ExploreChurches)

Families welcome (photo Ashley Taylor for ExploreChurches)

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 10am–4pm
Sunday 12noon–4pm

Postcode: LN9 5HW

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High Toynton, St John the Baptist

High Toynton, St John the Baptist (early June 2025)

After the collapse of the Tower in Jan 2020, we are delighted to be opening a dramatically restored church, thanks to funders such as National Lottery Heritage and others. We are a Doubly Thankful Village, one of only 16 in England and Wales – where all personnel returned from both World Wars. There will be a display of the village history of this positive and cohesive small community through the years from Medieval times onwards, together with a Music Festival on the Sunday.

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 10am–5pm
Sunday 10am–5pm

Postcode: LN9 6NN

Photo supplied by church. 

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Hameringham, All Saints

Dating from 1200, although, after the nave collapsed in 1893, heavily restored by Hodgson Fowler, a local Victorian architect. Walls are of sandstone; pews and altar are Victorian. 15th century octagonal font is of particular interest, having cusped panels containing shields and a pedestal with traceried panels and figures. Pulpit features original hour glass in its stand. To the east of the doorway is a pointed piscina believed to be 12th century. Various marks on the walls are attributed to sword sharpening and musket fire dating from the Battle of Winceby; the site of the battlefield is close by. West window features a stained-glass tribute to 2nd Lieutenant John Kenneth Brice Smith, who died on September 11th 1915 of wounds received at the Bluff.

Opening Times: 13-14th September
Saturday 10.30am–3.30pm
Sunday 10.30am-3.30pm

Postcode: LN9 6PE

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Photographs by David Montague

Haltham on Bain, St Benedict

A lovely Norman church with a stunning decorated east window and a beautifully simple interior. Look out for the 17th century pulpit and the unusual  Norman carving above the south doorway. There are old pews with carved ends facing the 17th century pulpit, a screen adapted as a family pew, Royal Arms of Charles 1 and lovely old tiled floors.

Opening Times  13-14th September
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Post code: LN9 6JF

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Picture Credit David Hitchborne

Belchford - St Peter & St Paul

Belchford, St Peter & St Paul*

Although most of the present church dates from the19th century, there is positive evidence of a church in the village since the 12th century. When entering through the 18th century semi-circular headed west doorway, the colour of the east window casts a pale blue hue across the chancel and nave. Of particular note are the ornate 19th century altar and reredos, with painted panels depicting virgin and child and apostles; pulpit with panelled sides, containing a relief of Magi with virgin and child; decorated organ; and painted chancel roof. Folders available relating to the history of the church, including historic photographs of church and village. 

Belchford, St Peter & St Paul*

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 9am–5pm
Sunday 9am–5pm

Postcode: LN9 6LQ

Photo: Ashley Taylor of Push Creativity for the National Churches Trust.

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Ashby Puerorum, St Andrew

St Andrew, Ashby Puerorum by Dave Hitchborne

Delightful Grade II listed church built of local greenstone; tucked behind Church Farm commanding outstanding views of the Lincolnshire Wolds. Housing a 3cwt tenor bell from 1150, believed to be the oldest in England. 

Historic links to the Cathedral and Bishop Oliver Sutton, who gave Ashby Puerorum its name. On the nave wall there is a group of 7 brasses of Richard Lytleburye, (d 1521) a knight from Stainsby, and his wife Ely. 

There is a second brass by the door of a knight in arms (1560) who is thought to be one of Richard Lytleburye’s sons. 

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday dawn-dusk
Sunday dawn-dusk

Postcode: LN9 6QU

Photo: Dave Hitchborne cc-by-sa/2.0

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Hemingby, St Margaret

Hemingby, St Margaret*

Exhibition: Love in all its colours – a celebration of weddings, handfasting’s, betrothals, partnerships from the village and from all cultures. Clothes, decoration, artifacts, photos.

Refreshments.

A plain but friendly church.

Hemingby, St Margaret*

Hemingby, St Margaret*

Opening Times: 13-14th September

Saturday 10am–4pm

Sunday 10am–4pm

Postcode: 

LN9 5QF

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*photo by Ashley Taylor of Push Creativity for the National Churches Trust - Explore Churches website