St John the Baptist
Thorpe Mandeville, Northamptonshire
After passing the splendid churchyard yew (over 1,000 years old), the latched door in the 14th century porch opens to reveal a church with a wall painting of St Christopher.
Down a lane you encounter the balanced composition of church and rectory, Manor House, stables and dovecote, all looking out across green fields.
The house was perfected by Richard Chauncey between 1747-52 rebuilding his family’s seat. He was also responsible for the splendid set of memorials to himself and his ancestors by Rysbrack that adorn the medieval church.
The building although surrounded by mature trees is light and airy with broad aisles. In its south chapel two early 17th century alabaster tomb chest with effigies of early Chaunceys and their wives, above heraldic stained glass of the same period.
Further into the church you encounter box pews, 18th century pulpit and a large family pew which is almost a drawing room set to one side of the aisle. A beautiful remote church that speaks of 18th century Anglican worship.