Holy Sepulchre

Step through the porch and the surprise awaits you. You enter an eight sided building which reflects not only on the church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem but also the famous reinterpretations of it, Charlemange’s chapel at Aachen, and San Vitale in Ravenna.

Such churches in England, of which there are very few are normally associated with the Knights Templars. Here though the decision to build a round church in about 1110 was that of Simon de Senils, Earl of Northampton, who had taken part in the first crusades.

The great space rises up three floors with a marvellous wooden beam ceiling above. In the 13th century the church was extended and now you rise from the circular area up to a central nave flanked on both sides by double aisles and centred on a Victorian chancel.

The church has a strong connection with the military life of the county. Note the highly unusual stained glass window of Richard Coeur de Lyon at the battle of Jaffa in the north aisle adjacent to two late Morris and Co windows. The Soldiers Chapel is where over 6000 soldiers from the Northamptonshires are remembered from the two great wars. This chapel has recently been completely refurbished.

The church hosts a number of wonderful events each year. Through our experienced tour guides we bring to life the wonderful history down the centuries. Extensive new research has emerged from our closedown which provides new Visitor Experience.