St Denys

Built of local ironstone St Denys’ church has stood here for many centuries, with its earliest surviving parts from the 1100s. The architectural styles are Early English (1189-1372), but the structure now seen is mainly 13th century with 15th century alterations. Ironstone has a mellow golden orange colour but is very susceptible to weathering, as can be seen on exterior parts of the church building. 

The church has a square tower topped with an octagonal spire. Uniquely in the area the spire is constructed of ironstone, rather than a harder stone. Around the tower parapet are four carved spouts one of which is a mythical beast or devil and another an owl.

The church door has nail-head and dog-tooth decoration, a pattern that is repeated, although much eroded, around the belfry openings. There is a stone niche over the doorway which would have once housed a figure of St Denys that probably disappeared during the reformation. The stone heads on either side of the doorway have for many years been understood as a tonsured monk and a wimple clad nun. 

Inside the church is light and open with a level floor. The chancel and nave are separated by a fine old oak chancel screen. This rood screen has been dated to the late 15th century using dendrochronology.

A circular stone shelf at the chancel end of the south aisle may have once supported a figure, the base is carved into a comical impish face and is only visible if viewed from below. The stone corbels supporting roof timbers in both aisles and the nave are carved as grotesque figureheads. Of note is a pre 13th century octagonal font carved from a single block of limestone. This sits near a low window on the south side which is reputed as a leper window.

The church sits atop a promontory with beautiful views over the village and the surrounding countryside. The churchyard has areas managed for wildlife. Within the churchyard there are five ‘Belvoir Angel’ headstones from the early 1700s, and there is a 17th century tomb slab which has Grade II listing.