LincolnshireHAINTONStMary(davidwrightCC-BY-2.0)1 DavidWright

St Mary

The church stands in the grounds of the Hall, which was and still is the home of the Heneage family and the chancel and north chapel contain an unparalleled and virtually unbroken sequence of family monuments dating from the 15th century.

Hainton, Lincolnshire

Opening times

The church is kept open, but the Heneage chapel is locked.

Address

Church Lane
Hainton
Lincolnshire
LN8 6LS

The church originated in the 11th century, with changes in the 13th and refurbishment in the 14th. It was also possibly remodelled by Capability Brown in 1763, and then restored by Edward James Willson. Willson, who is buried in the churchyard, was a close friend of AW Pugin and the building is Puginian in its archaeological correctness.

The earliest Heneage monument are the brasses to John Heneage (died 1435) and his wife Alice on the chapel floor. John, who is portrayed in civilian dress, was a yeoman and it was he that managed to acquire a share of the manor of Hainton that established the family in Hainton. The family fortunes were further bolstered in the early 16th century when the family profited from the acquisition of former monastic lands.

The impressive later 16th century monuments at the west end of the chapel, to John Heneage (died 1559) and his sons William and George are evidence of this new wealth. George is commemorated by a particularly lavish monument, a freestanding tomb chest with a painted alabaster effigy showing him in full armour lying on a rolled up mat.

The east end of the chapel has later monuments. One is a tablet by William Stanton commemorating grandfather, son and grandson, all called George. It is topped by a flaming urn and incorporates garlands and skulls and crossbones. Next to it is the wall monument to great grandson George by Bertucinni.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Café within 500m

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

  • Repair Grant, £2,500, 2009

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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