A church that lost its village

Sir Christopher Hatton, Elizabeth I's Lord Chancellor, moved the village of Holdenby when he built his mansion; the church now lies remote and isolated beside fields and a pond, beyond the gardens of Holdenby House. A fine building of local ironstone, it is largely fourteenth century but the chancel was rebuilt in 1845 and Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the church in 1867.

Inside, there is much of interest: an unusual series of seven painted texts, probably Elizabethan; memorials from the thirteenth century onwards, including an incised alabaster slab dedicated to William Holdenby (who died in 1490) and his wife; chancel stalls; an impressive sixteenth-century screen brought from Holdenby House around 1700.

The CCT is working with the owners of Holdenby House to restore the organ to bring it up to a standard for recitals and concerts in the future. Fund raising continues and there is still a need to raise £30,000 to be able to start the work.

Please donate on the CCT website (click 'Donate' and seek the project towards the end of the list) to contribute directly to this project. You can find out more here: Facebook

Holdenby Guide

To donate by text, please text 'HOY' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

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