St Mary the Virgin Church — Attraction in Wellingborough

Parish Priest Revd Richard Coles,

This fine large church, dedicated to St. Mary the Virgin, is built of native ironstone in the Decorated style and dates from about 1350.

The size of the church must reflect the importance of Finedon both historically and that time. At the time of the Domesday Book it was the head of a royal soke, and almost certainly the meeting place of the Navereslund Hundred. In 1291, Finedon, Higham Ferrers, and Raunds were the wealthiest benefices in the county. Edward I may have been here in 1306, and Edward II in 1323, when royal documents were issued from Finedon, and in 1329, one of the Abbot of Peterborough’s two bailiffs was based at Finedon.

In 1350, the great tithes were appropriated by Edward III, with the Pope’s permission, to the Abbey of Croxton in Leicestershire, the incumbents of Finedon thereafter being vicars instead of rectors; and the Abbey had already acquired the right to choose the incumbent. It seems not unlikely therefore that Croxton Abbey was responsible for building a new church, and that its monks were the architects and stonemasons.

Notice the Norman font, the strainer arch, the green men, the portraits, the gargoyles, and the organ, which was...

After being unable to attend my own church in Andover due to agoraphobia and covid , after hearing rev Coles would sadly be leaving this church soon and luckily being close by in my attempt to get out, I went to attend Sunday service. The service was quite traditional and reminded me if being 12 years old and singing at my local church as a member of the soprano section of the choir. ( I think the years and a long stretch smoking, I may now pass as an alto. The service was much needed and has made me more determined to get back to my own local church that in contrast is very modern. Beautiful church, a vicar that keeps you interested and a very friendly congregation. I am waving my hands with a smile....

I really liked St Mary The Virgin Church. Architecturally, it's impressive, and you can see the spire some considerable distance from the church.

The church is constructed of local ironstone, and the church dates almost entirely from the 14th century. The Chancel and the Nave dates from the beginning of the century and the Tower and Spire followed around 50 years later.

If you look around the outside of the church, you will see numerous gargoyles guarding the church.

The grounds are kept immaculate and there is a definite air of calm and relaxation in the grounds. This is a lovely church and deserves...