History of St Martin’s

St Martin’s Church dates back to Norman times. The church consists of a Chancel, a Nave and Tower on the western side. A Transept was added to the north side of the Chancel in the 1980’s together with a Vestry on the east side of the building. The Church has a number of interesting internal features including the tomb of Thomas Cornwallis and his wife which dates back to Elizabethan times. Thomas Cornwallis was a member of the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

Over the years much of the Church has been extensively modernised. Major rebuilding work was undertaken in the 1860s under the guidance of Lord Lovelace. The Chancel and part of the Nave were rebuilt at this time. Extensive repairs were undertaken to the Tower in the 1920s.

Lord Lovelace also oversaw the building of the wall around the Churchyard. The wall incorporates a number of distinguishing features of the Lovelace style including the widespread use of flint and locally produced terracotta bricks. The Gazebo on the southwest corner of the wall was restored in 1986.

Before Lord Lovelace died in 1893 he built a Mausoleum in the northeast corner of the churchyard. The Mausoleum is the final resting place of Lord Lovelace and his second wife. The Mausoleum was restored in the 2000’s.

The St Martin’s Church rooms were constructed in the 1980’s and stand between the Church and the Rectory.

Arrangements can be made for small groups to visit the church.  Coffee/tea and biscuits can be provided. If you are interested in visiting us please send an e mail and we will get in touch with you

If you want to read more about the history of St Martin’s this link provides further details.