May 2017:
LEADENHAM, St Swithin.
Leadenham is on the A607 Lincoln to Grantham road. The church is on the right on the main road as you drive towards Grantham.
There was a church here in 1086 recorded in Domesday. The present day church was completed mid-14th century, with north and south porches, chancel, bell tower and spire added towards the end of the 14th century. The interior of the south porch is in need of repair but there is interesting graffiti visible on the walls.
The nave has a beautiful ceiling which was painted by Augustus Pugin. It has recently been restored and there are plans for new up-lighting once the appropriate funds are raised.
Dr John Dee, scientist and astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I was rector here from 1558 – 1570. In the north aisle on top of two columns are the carved heads of Edward II and Edward III. Above the head of Edward III is the face of the devil.
A statue of St Swithin (sometimes spelt Swithun) once stood in a niche above the door in the north porch. He now stands outside above the north porch door. St Swithin was Bishop of Winchester from 852-862. Pilgrims visited his tomb and it is still said today that if it rains on St Swithin’s Day (15th July) it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights afterwards. Fortunately for us this does not always happen!
There was a church here in 1086 recorded in Domesday. The present day church was completed mid-14th century, with north and south porches, chancel, bell tower and spire added towards the end of the 14th century. The interior of the south porch is in need of repair but there is interesting graffiti visible on the walls.
The nave has a beautiful ceiling which was painted by Augustus Pugin. It has recently been restored and there are plans for new up-lighting once the appropriate funds are raised.
Dr John Dee, scientist and astrologer to Queen Elizabeth I was rector here from 1558 – 1570. In the north aisle on top of two columns are the carved heads of Edward II and Edward III. Above the head of Edward III is the face of the devil.
A statue of St Swithin (sometimes spelt Swithun) once stood in a niche above the door in the north porch. He now stands outside above the north porch door. St Swithin was Bishop of Winchester from 852-862. Pilgrims visited his tomb and it is still said today that if it rains on St Swithin’s Day (15th July) it will rain for 40 days and 40 nights afterwards. Fortunately for us this does not always happen!
*Click on thumbnails to enlarge photos*
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