St Giles
Holme, Nottinghamshire
Holme was a much more frequented place until the 16th century, when the River Trent changed course to leave it isolated on the eastern bank.
It has existed since Anglo Saxon times, being mentioned in Domesday Book (1086). Until 1913 the Rector was presented by the lord of the Manor of Cromwell.
The present church building consists of an unbutressed west tower, nave and chancel, with south aisles to nave and chancel. All medieval work dates from the 13th century to the early 16th century. A vestry on the north side of the chancel was added in the 20th century. The church is modest in size, the chancel is almost a metre longer than the nave, but a metre narrower.
The east end was rebuilt around 1300 when a south aisle chantry chapel was created and a new east window installed. A little medieval glass survives, but most of the fenestration is modern and the tracery restored. Two of the three timber bays of the nave roof date to the end of the Middle Ages, when a three window clerestory was added. A blocked door, to the north of the chancel, gave access to a now lost sacristy or chapel.
After centuries of piecemeal change, a major restoration in 1873 largely returned the church to its late medieval form.
