St Edmund, Hardingstone

St John the Baptist, Piddington

We welcome everybody to join our friendly congregation and share in our traditional style of worship, with choir accompanied by pipe organ. There is a children's play area if you have younger family members.

Our attractive church is dedicated to St John the Baptist and was built in about 1290, although it is believed that there may have been a place of worship on this site prior to that date. The church is laid out in the traditional cross shape, but has been extensively restored and rebuilt with additions over the subsequent centuries. It is a Grade 2 listed building.

The tower rising to a spire was rebuilt following a rate levy in the Parish in 1847 and on the east face of the tower is the church clock, more than a 100 years old, believed to have been made by Dent and Co., who manufactured "Big Ben".

A number of trees, both ancient and newly planted, frame the open views in three directions from the Church which occupies a surprisingly commanding position over the neighbouring countryside. There is access to a number of country paths you might like to explore. Walkers are welcome! Come as you are.

The parish of Piddington with Horton is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer. The Diocese of Peterborough’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs.

St John the Baptist, Quinton

It is likely that there has been a church building within the settlement of Quinton since around 800AD. The greater part of the current building belongs to the thirteenth century period but is a development of a much earlier building, possibly the Tythe Barn, of which the south west angle and west window remain.

The original stone building probably had an aisle-less Nave, approximately of the same size as at present, and during this time a tower and larger re-modelled Chancel would have been added.

During the fifteenth century the church was enlarged by the addition of a bell chamber stage to the tower and the Clerestory and new windows.

The greater part of the building as we see it today is the result of the major restoration undertaken during the incumbency of Edward Bayley in the late eighteenth century. At that time the church had fallen into disrepair, nay ruin, and it was only with Bayley’s enthusiasm and monies received from the Montagues, Lords of the Manor of Quinton, which enabled the restoration to happen. Using much of the old stone that was left from the ruin (much had been removed by opportunist thieves or the desperate poor) a narrower Chancel with lowered roof-line and a rounded east end was built with a new south porch.

In April 1944 the Newcombe family gave the Reverend Hopkins, the Priest-in-Charge, a photograph of John (their son Killed in Action in WW2) to be placed in the Church – this is now in the ‘Soldiers’ Window’ in the south aisle.

A year later, in 1945, at the Quinton Annual Parish Meeting it was proposed that a Stained or Coloured Glass Window be installed in the Church as a memorial to John: this was subsequently agreed by the PCC.

In November 1946 the PCC agreed the design for the Window, made by the artist Harry J Stammers of Exeter, on the theme of the whole life of our Patron Saint, John the Baptist. The design now incorporated the names of our two men, Walter Tysom and Walter Matthews, Killed in Action in the First World War, although Walter Matthews’s middle name is incorrect!

The cost was estimated to be £120 plus £20 for fitting. The PCC decided to deliver a letter to every house in the village asking for donations.

A faculty was applied for and the Bishop, the Right Reverend Claude Blagden, issued this in March 1947 by which time 55 pounds and 50 shillings had been raised.

In the Churchwardens’ Annual Report in April 1948 it is noted that: “Our patience has been amply rewarded and the work of sheer beauty that now adorns our Sanctuary will be a worthy memorial of three brave men, and a lasting joy, not only to ourselves but to many future generation.” Donations of one hundred and twenty three pounds, fifteen shillings and sixpence had been raised by now.

At a 7.15 p.m. service on 4th July 1948 the Window was dedicated by the Archdeacon of Northampton, the Reverend Cecil Grimes. For full details please see the Book of Remembrance in the ‘Soldiers’ Window’ in the south aisle.

© Major DM Crouch TD Churchwarden First published May 2012