St Benedict

The duty of the King's Champion was to challenge anyone who doubted the new monarch's right to the throne. The Champion would throw down his gauntlet to prove he would fight to the death anyone who did.

Today Scriveslby is a country estate. St Benedict church is built mainly of greenstone and dates back to the 13th century. Major restoration took place in 1860 by Sir Henry Dymoke, when a northwest tower with spire was added.

The present lectern, made locally in 1871, stands in front of a massive pillar, which was evidently the foundation of what was once the chancel arch, the old chancel ending at the site of the attractive oak screen. The nave arches are early English, the chancel arch and church itself is perpendicular, while the windows show three different styles.

Two stone effigies are in the north aisle, to Sir Philip Marmion and one of his two wives. He was the last of the Marmions to reside at Scrivelsby and died in the 1290s. His legs, before being removed over 350 years ago, were crossed at the ankles indicating that he possibly fought in the Crusades. The powerful Marmion family were Champion to the Dukes of Normandy of France and came to England with William when he invaded in 1066. The title of Champion has stayed with the family. A marble monument, elaborately carved in the chancel is surmounted with the bust of Lewis Dymoke and his shield containing the Dymoke Arms with crest and sword. Sir Robert Dymoke held high office during the reign of Henry VIII, after the king’s divorce, he was Controller of Katherine of Aragon’s household. He died in 1545 and his tomb can be seen. His son Sir Edward Dymoke, was High Sheriff during the Lincolnshire uprising in 1536. The current and 35th Champion is Sir Francis Dymoke, an accountant and estate manager.