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Beautiful medieval church in open Suffolk countryside, birthplace of John Winthrop, Pilgrim Father and First Governor of Massachusetts.

Visit one of the most important Saxon parish churches in England, reputed to be the mother church of Lincoln Cathedral.

Imposing church set at the top of the Witham valley.

It is difficult to accurately date the church's foundation or the present building but It is certainly ancient and parts of a moat remain which once enclosed a good five acres including both the church and adjacent East Mersea Hall.

Although the first reference to a church here is from the early 12th century the oldest parts of the church date from the 13th century.

Town and church are world famous for their beauty and that there is a breathing space of countryside beyond the church adds to the pleasure of the setting. Photo credit: John Fielding CC-BY 2.0

The picturesque village of South Carlton is situated on the edge of the limestone cliff to north of Lincoln, just at the point where it dips down to meet the valley of the Trent.

St Helen's dates from 12th century, with the north aisle added in 1380, between the choir and the north aisle is a mediaeval tomb to Sir Roger Trehampton, one of the Knights Templar.

A Christus sculpture, by Peter Eugene Ball, hangs above the nave.

Dating from the time of the Norman Conquest at the heart of one of Suffolk's most beautiful villages, open seven days a week to visitors.

Situated in open countryside on the north bank of the River Witham, the parish derives its name from a spring which sends water to the nearby River Witham.

The antiquarian sixth Baron Monson visited this church in September 1828 and found two Monson monuments within this 'very neat, small edifice'.