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St Andrews Church, Northborough

St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Northborough, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE6 9BN

  • 13 Sep 2025
  • In person
  • Pre-booking not required

An interesting and historic parish church, recently added to the at risk register of Historic England. Visit the tomb of Elizabeth Cromwell and the grave of "The Poet's Wife" Martha Clare. Personal tours available on request.

Discover a Medieval Church dating back to the 12th century, the west wall possibly earlier.
It has been known as the Church of two widows, with strong connections to the Cromwell and Claypole Families and to the Peasant Poet John Clare who live in Northborough with his wife and family.
Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Oliver Cromwell, lived her final year at Northborough Manor, is buried in the Claypole Chapel, which also contains the alter tomb of James Claypoole. The chapel c.1350 is a fine example of the Late Decorated and Perpendicular architectural style.
Martha Clare " The Poet's Wife" who live in Northborough 40 years, is buried in the churchyard along with several of their children and grandchildren.
The church has two bells housed in a double bell cote, one of only three local examples which still exist today.
The bells are a tenor dated 1360-80 and a treble dated 1611, which may have cast in the churchyard.
Our organ is a rare example of John Avery’s work, built in 1783 and rebuilt in 1991, it came from Apethorpe Hall, Northamptonshire.
In the c.1500 Tudor design porch, there are two scalloped shell carvings and two mass dial's carved into the wall by the door.
3 fresco wall paintings were discovered in the south aisle in 1893.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:
1100-1600

Location & directions

St Andrew's Church, Church Street, Northborough, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE6 9BN

Directions:
Bus service to Northborough available from Peterborough
Contact on day:
Marilyn Bodenham
Telephone number:
+447742416299

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:
Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Level access into the building with a ramp into the nave. Good path for wheelchairs from the gate to the door. Church yard accessible but uneven grass. Limited parking at the church, but school car park is also available.

Additional information

All visitors are welcome.

Max no of people per tour:
6
Est. tour duration:
0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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