LincolnshireGAUTBYAllSaints(richardcroftCC-BY-SA2.0)1 RichardCroft

All Saints

A rather unassuming village church on the outside but containing a wealth of interest and heritage within its walls, but there also lies a hidden story of murder and intrigue.

Gautby, Lincolnshire

Opening times

Open daily, dawn to dusk.

Address

Newgate Street
Gautby
Lincolnshire
LN8 5JP

The chancel is built over a burial vault of the Vyner family of Gautby Great Park and it was they who paid for the building of the church in 1754. Gautby Great Park has long gone, as are the Vyners, leaving the church as the only reminder of their residence here. A rather plain brick box on the outside, the interior of the church is therefore, quite surprising, a light, elegant and quite sophisticated space.

The chancel arch is impressively classical, on either side of the altar are two niches containing striking monuments to the Vyner family. One of Sir Thomas Vyner, 1st Baronet (1588-1665), a goldsmith of London and Controller of the Royal Mint, who also served as Lord Mayor of London. The other is his son Thomas.

Come along and view the striking memorial statues of Sir Thomas Vyner and his son, and then learn about the terrible tragedy that fell on this family.

Frederick, like so many young men his age, was sent on a Grand Tour of Europe. Whilst in Greece he and his party were kidnapped and held to ransom and, given the aristocratic nature of the party, the Government and Queen Victoria were involved in trying to secure their release. Sadly during the siege to rescue them, four of the party, including Frederick aged just 23, were killed. The kidnappers were caught and executed. Frederick’s body was returned to England and finally brought to Gautby Hall. The ransom money was returned to his mother, who moved to Newby Hall in Yorkshire and built a church there in memory of her son.

  • Wildlife haven

  • 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

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

Contact information

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