All Saints' Church, Braunston-in-Rutland explained

All Saints' Church, Braunston-in-Rutland
Dedication:All Saints'
Denomination:Church of England
Parish:Braunston-in-Rutland, Rutland
Diocese:Peterborough
Vicar:Chris Rattenberry[1]

All Saints' Church is a Church of England parish church in Braunston-in-Rutland, Rutland. It is a Grade II* listed building.

History

The church dates back to the late 12th century.[1] The font, chancel arch and the southern doorway arch survive from this period. There is a section of an old, carved coffin situated in the south-western corner of the church. The southern aisle is home to two medieval wall paintings. The four stained glass windows, made by C. E. Kempe & Co.,[2] each has the Eamer mark of a wheatsheaf.[3]

The most interesting part of the church is a carved stone situated around the side of the western tower. It is roughly 3 ft high and looks like a smiling figure. It was only uncovered when a step, which it was forming, was removed. The date of the carving is unknown but it is probably pre-Christian. It could possibly be a fertility cult or a form of the Celtic Earth Mother.[3] [4] This is locally referred to as The Braunston "Goddess".

Buried in the churchyard is Gladys Walter of the Women's Royal Air Force who died from pneumonia on Armistice Day, 11 November 1918.

References

52.6507°N -0.7708°W

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Braunston: All Saints. www.achurchnearyou.com.
  2. Web site: Braunston in Rutland All Saints. Explore Churches.
  3. Web site: Braunston-in-Rutland All Saints Church - History, Travel, and accommodation information. Britain Express.
  4. Web site: Braunston Church | Leicestershire & Rutland Church Journal. March 4, 2015. www.leicestershirechurches.co.uk.