St Mary

St Mary’s is one of the finest medieval marshland churches and is found on the A52 between Skegness and Mablethorpe only 2 miles from the sea. There has been a church here since the 13th century, the first recorded incumbent is in 1232, and once served a very affluent and important community, larger and more important than Skegness, being the local market for the area.

The present building is mainly 14th and 15th century and is built in the Norman decorated and perpendicular styles. It is constructed from local green sandstone found at the edge of the Wolds. St Mary’s has a rare example of a 13th century boss on one of the arcades on the south side of the nave. The ‘Banded Lady’ is thought to be based on a 13th century Spanish headdress, possibly brought over by masons or pilgrims returning from Campostella.

There was a major restoration in the 1800s with the chancel being added in 1870. The North porch is now the main entrance to the church. However, it is believed that the medieval village of Hogsthorpe was on the south side making the south porch the original main entrance. The south porch was built by the Guild of St Mary in 1558 and bears the inscription in Latin: Pray for the souls of the sisters and brothers of the guild of St Mary of this church, by whom the outlay and expense of this porch has been built. This door is used mainly for weddings and funerals, opening out on to the well kept churchyard.

Most of the headstones have been moved to the sides but can still be read, many surnames appearing more than once. St Mary’s is open every day and offers a warm welcome.

We have an active worshipping community and are an integral part of village life. Whether you wish to join our worship, look at the historical aspects of the church and church yard or have a peaceful haven to pray and be one with God you will find what you are looking for at St Mary’s Hogsthorpe.