Here stands St Mary & St Nicholas. It is a testament to faith. It is a landmark shaped by centuries of history. We will explore the story of this parish church. We will uncover its secrets.
St Mary & St Nicholas has a rich history. It began with the Benedictine Priory of Spalding. The priory existed from 1051 until its dissolution in 1540. The present church’s foundations were laid in 1284. Prior William de Littleport initiated the construction. He intended it to replace an older parish church. That earlier church stood on the Priory boundary. It was on the site of today’s market place.
The new building incorporated part of the Chapel of St Thomas the Martyr. You can still see the foundations of this chapel. They are visible on the exterior of the present chancel. Prior Clement Hatfield completed the cruciform-shaped building. He was prior from 1293 to 1318. The church then consisted of an aisled nave. It had six bays. There were also aisled transepts of two bays. A chancel without an aisle and a bell tower completed it.
Significant alterations occurred in 1360. The west aisle of the south transept and the south aisle of the nave were widened. The outer south aisle was added. The south porch and the tower were also built at this time.
More changes took place in the fifteenth century. The rood staircase and screen were added. Clerestory windows were installed. The medieval glass, statues, and brasses did not survive. The Reformation and Puritan ministers caused these losses in the seventeenth century.
The eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries brought high box pews. Galleries were above them. A three-decker pulpit was installed. Sir George Gilbert Scott directed an extensive restoration. This happened between 1865 and 1867. These earlier features were removed during this time.
The twentieth century saw new additions to St Mary & St Nicholas. Four modern stained-glass windows were added. The chancel ceiling was decorated. The organ was rebuilt and re-sited. A shop and visitor center were created. A vestry was added on the south side of the chancel.
In 2013, the West Door became the church’s main entrance. A new internal porch was constructed. A stone floor was laid. This followed the removal of pews near the back of the church. The steps around the font were also removed.
A servery was constructed in the south-west corner of the church in 2017. It was designed to blend in. It should be as inconspicuous as possible when not in use. It has proven a valuable addition.
In 2022, an accessible toilet was installed. The adjacent shop was remodeled. New stone flooring completed the reordering. This all happened at the West end of St Mary & St Nicholas.
The Johnsons were a prominent family. John Johnson bought Ayscoughfee Hall in 1658. His daughter Jane married Maurice Johnson. He became the first of six Maurice Johnsons to live at Ayscoughfee Hall. They were in direct succession. Many memorials to members of the Johnson family are in the church. There are eight hatchments associated with them. Publications about these hatchments and memorials are available in the church.
St Mary & St Nicholas continues to evolve. It adapts to meet the needs of its community. It preserves its rich heritage. The church stands as a symbol of faith, resilience, and community spirit. It is a place where history and spirituality intertwine. It offers a welcoming space for all.