St Peter & St Paul

Originally, two churches existed in Middle Rasen resulting from disputes which had arisen between an Abbot and a Prior. They were separately dedicated to St Peter & St Paul. Drax Priory, in Yorkshire, was responsible for St Paul's church whilst the present church, initially dedicated to St Peter, was built by the inmates of Tupholme Abbey. Centuries later, both churches having fallen into an extreme state of disrepair, the decision wat taken to restore St Peter's church with materials derived from the redundant church of St Paul.

Following the restoration of the church the lofty Perpendicular windows of the 15th century in the nave and chancel, together with the embattled parapets and the heightened and pinnacled tower, all tend to give an overall impression of a church of that period rather than its true 12th century origin. The church is built of the local brown ironstone from nearby Walesby. The original Norman church is much in evidence; the south doorway, the chancel arch, the Norman font and the lower sections of the tower in particular. But it is the south entrance door that is the star of this country church. Truly a splendid example of Norman work being one of the most impressive Norman doorways in the country. See if you can spot the beak of a bird among the carved stonework.

In the chancel lies an early 14th century effigy of a priest set on a low tomb chest, with plain quatrefoils, which was brought from St Paul's church at the time of rebuilding. It differs from others, then in vogue, with the robes appearing to be fluttering in the breeze and thus producing flowing lines throughout. The head of the effigy lies beneath a richly carved canopy and in the hands is a chalice. Perhaps most surprisingly, the feet appear to be resting upon a lion, usually denoting that the deceased gave his life in service of his country.