St Andrew

St Andrew’s is a beautiful Grade II* church built of ironstone and chalk.

The surrounding churchyard with its ancient hedge and magnificent horse chestnut trees, has been restored by volunteers revealing ancient gravestones and wildflowers. A seated reflection area has been created which is extremely popular with walking groups who use the church as a stopover when walking nearby Lincolnshire Wolds pathways.

Just to the southwest of the churchyard is a 14th century packhorse bridge which is a scheduled ancient monument, with the remains of a stone causeway leading from the bridge to the western churchyard gate. The bridge was built by Gilbertine monks from the nearby Priory (now demolished) to give them access to the church.

It was also the Gilbertines who commissioned the building in 1300. Today’s church consists of a three stage tower, nave and south transept dating from 14th century with the chancel and porch being added in the 15th century. The 15th century porch, is noted for its intricate stone carvings which visitors find of great interest.

Although they are not dated, the pews were added during the 20th century, the same period as the fine examples of woodwork in the boxed pew, altar panelling, choir stalls, chancel screen and communion rail. Among the monuments there are three memorial plaques by J Milligan of London (1820-1840) and a finely sculpted effigy of Gilbert de Cumberworth, Rector of Utterby 1358. There are stained glass windows by Thomas Willement, other areas of Victorian stained glass as well as fragments of medieval glass in the chancel windows.

In the north aisle there are traces of a small doorway commonly called a ‘Devils Doorway’.

Recordings by village people about village life past and present, can be heard, inside the church.