LincolnshireGRIMOLDBYStEdith(richardcroftCC-BY-SA2.0)1 RichardCroft

St Edith

Delightful 13th century church nestling in a village on the edge of the Lincolnshire Wolds with dragon fighting angels looking down from the nave roof.

Grimoldby, Lincolnshire

Oriau agor

Open daily 10am to 4pm.

Cyfeiriad

Tinkle Street
Grimoldby
Lincolnshire
LN11 8SW

The church is dedicated to St Edith of Polesworth who was sister to King Athelstan of England. She married Viking King Sihtric at York. When he died she took monastic vows, retiring to the Benedictine convent at Polesworth, Warwickshire where she became abbess.

St Edith’s is constructed in Spilsby sandstone, with some ironstone and limestone, and dates from the 13th century, with a mid 14th century tower. Much of the woodwork, doors and ceilings date from the 15th and 16th centuries but the angels in the nave are original. These are not the cuddly angels of the Baroque or the effete angels of the Pre-Raphaelites, but the dragon fighting angels of Revelation 12:7-9, and they appear to have come well equipped.

Lower down, traces of red painted wall decoration remain and the stonework of the arcades and doorways carries numerous informal inscriptions, including apotropaic marks invoking the Virgin Mary, as protection against Satan’s various colleagues.

The oldest of St Edith’s three bells dates from the 14th century and is dedicated to St Catherine: it carries the words Sum Rosa Pulsata Mundi Caterina Vocata; 'When rung, I am the Rose of the World, called Catherine'.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access throughout

  • Dog friendly

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Church of England

Contact information

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