The History of St Denys' Church & Kirkby La Thorpe

The 12th century church, with its Saxon beginnings as well as 14th; 15th; 16th and 20th century additions is steeped in history. The doorway is Norman, although restoration work has taken place, with a low West tower and Transitional four-bay arcade. The West and North aisle windows are in the Decorated style of the 14th century, some original pieces of stained glass can be seen in the West and South windows. Part of the 15th century Perpendicular screen is now in the tower arch and a choir seat has been made up of sections of tracery. There are two octagonal 15th century fonts in St Denys', one having originally be in nearby St Peter's church which was closed in 1593 and demolished in 1637. The chancel was rebuilt in 1854, in the Early English style and the porch rebuilt in 1911.

Mentioned in the Domesday Book, Kirkby La Thorpe belonged jointly to King William I and the Bishop of Durham. From 1732 The Earl of Bristol was a patron of the church and by 1868 the Marquis of Bristol owned the land. The 1841 census reveals a small population of 213 and records farming and agriculture as the main occupations, although there were also carpenters, a blacksmith, domestic servants and a gate keeper for Kirkby La Thorpe Hall, a 15th century building adjacent to the church, now known as The Grange. The population rose only slightly up to 1939 when according to the survey of that year it was around 300, although that number did not include those away on active service.

Timings

Friday 11 September:

1100-1400

Saturday 12 September:

1100-1600

Sunday 13 September:

1100-1500

Tuesday 15 September:

1100-1400

Thursday 17 September:

1100-1400

Friday 18 September:

1100-1400

Saturday 19 September:

1100-1500

Sunday 20 September:

1100-1500

Location & directions

St Denys' Church, Church Lane, Kirkby La Thorpe, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, NG34 9NU

Directions:

Kirkby La Thorpe is off the directly off the A17 after the Ruskington exit.

Contact on day:

Mrs J McMath

Telephone number:

+44736038923

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Parking is on the road only. Please park on opposite side to the church alongside the school.

Additional information

Estimated duration:

0 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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