St John the Baptist

St John the Baptist has been at the heart of the Granborough community for over 700 years.

Our grade II* listed church is at the centre of the village and is visible from miles around. There is also a Grade II* listed war memorial in the churchyard, which was restored in the early 2000s. The present church dates back to the early 14th century with some existing interior and exterior features of this date, such as doors, beams and a piscina. In 1881 the interior was restored to plans by local man Sir George Gilbert Scott (who died before the restoration); he designed the red and black floor tiles and the pews. Pevsner writes about our church in his Buildings of Buckinghamshire.

The church tower, with a crenelated parapet, was built around 1500. It rises in three stages above the nave, and has a pair of square headed belfry windows on each face. The clock face on the north elevation has recently been restored. There are 5 bells in the belfry, hung for change ringing. The tenor is a 15th century bell; the youngest (1637) was recast in 1887. The bells were rehung in 1920 in a steel frame and are rung regularly.

The building is not a fine or grand church in any sense of the words, but it has a rustic charm which reflects its role at the centre of a rural community over several centuries. As such, it is much valued by both the worshipping community and the wider village. It is a place of sanctuary, peace, love and faith, open to everyone.

Worship, welcome, the Gospel and service to the community is at the heart of what we do. Whether it is Sunday services, coffee mornings, looking after the churchyard, visiting people, running a youth group or collections for the Food Bank, in all that we do, we think of people in our community and beyond.

You are most welcome to join us for any of our services or events. Please contact us through our website.