July 2016:
LAUGHTON, All Saints.
*Click on photos to enlarge them*
The July visit for our group was to All Saints at Laughton, near Gainsborough. The church is built of limestone and parts of it are of medieval origin, although it was restored in 1896 by the Victorian architect G.F.Bodley. This was made possible by the Hon. Mrs Emily Charlotte Meynell-Ingram, in memory of her late husband Hugo. Information in the church states the Meynell-Ingram family’s connection can be traced back to the mid-16th century.
The north aisle has four Norman arches with cylindrical pillars and foliated capitals. The south aisle has 14th century arches with octagonal pillars with stone faces. There is a 15th century clerestory which lets in light. The nave roof is extravagantly decorated and gilded and is amazing to look at. This was done during the 19th century restoration.
There are two very large table tombs to the left and right of the nave, near the chancel. To the right is that of William Dalison, Sheriff of Lincolnshire in 1546, and to his son.
To the left is a marble effigy of Hugo Meynell-Ingram, who died in a hunting accident. It is a copy of his canopied tomb in the church at Hoar Cross, Staffordshire, which is the family seat of the Meynell-Ingrams.
To the left is a marble effigy of Hugo Meynell-Ingram, who died in a hunting accident. It is a copy of his canopied tomb in the church at Hoar Cross, Staffordshire, which is the family seat of the Meynell-Ingrams.
The church has beautiful stained glass throughout. The original glass had been removed by the Vicar of Messingham who was also Archdeacon of Stow. Most of the glass we see today is due to Mrs Meynell-Ingram. The east window was removed to the north wall when the chancel was renovated.
There is an intricate oak screen which you pass through into the chancel, rebuilt in 1895 when the roof was raised to match that of the nave. There is a beautiful oak reredos behind the altar.
In the nave is part of a 14th century grave-stone carving showing a medieval lady with clasped hands. It is thought to have been brought to the church from Bullington Priory, near Wragby.
The church is opposite the church school, founded in 1566 by Sir Roger D’Allison. There are seven other churches in the benefice, and regular services are held here.
Laughton is a village with a long history. More information about it can be downloaded here.
The glory of the church we see today was made possible by one woman’s grief, and determination to set up a memorial to her husband Hugo. More information about the church can be found here.
Laughton is a village with a long history. More information about it can be downloaded here.
The glory of the church we see today was made possible by one woman’s grief, and determination to set up a memorial to her husband Hugo. More information about the church can be found here.
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