St Cuthbert’s is a small church with Norman features, a striking 12th century tower and arches, fascinating glass, memorials and evidence of early wall paintings.
Brattleby, Lincolnshire
The tower contains some of the oldest bells in Lincolnshire, two cast in 1450 and the third in 1600. They were restored to electronic chiming condition in 2014, at a cost of £10,000, funded by the village.
The charming, peaceful churchyard with lawns and trees, creates an atmosphere of a bygone era and has ample outdoor seating to 'sit and stare'. The churchyard also contains the shaft of a Saxon Cross of national importance, said to be one of only three in its original position.
The Second World War Commonwealth grave of Canadian pilot Flight Lieutenant Clare Connor and the story of his all too short life will touch your heartstrings. Guy Gibson of Dambusters fame, who was billeted in Brattleby Hall, is said to have played the church organ during the night, when unable to sleep.
Brattleby was also home to a rather influential heroine, often called 'the woman who saved England'. In 1086, the Lord of Brattleby Manor was Colswain. He had a daughter called Muriel who was born at Brattleby in 1105. She married Robert de la Haye and they had a daughter, Lady Nicholaa Del La Haye in 1169. Nicholaa proved to be one of the greatest women of her time, becoming Castellan of Lincoln castle, Sheriff of Lincolnshire and a valued friend of King John. In May 1217 she 'doggedly led the defence of Lincoln Castle during the Battle of Lincoln'.
Scampton, Lincolnshire
On the western edge of the village below RAF Scampton, where the Dambuster raids were flown from and now home to the Red Arrows; there is an RAF chapel in the church with Squadron badges and there are several Commonwealth War Graves in the churchyard.
Cammeringham, Lincolnshire
The present day church of St Michael & All Angels is in a very different form to the original building but remains a holy place of great beauty.
Ingham, Lincolnshire
All Saints, with its beautiful stained glass east window, is a peaceful, welcoming church and it's well kept churchyard contains a 13th century gravestone and village war memorial.
