NorthamptonshireFOTHERINGHAYStMaryAllSaints(spencermeansCC-BY-SA2.0)1 SpencerMeans

St Mary & All Saints

St Mary & All Saints is one of the finest structures in Northamptonshire and its royal connections provide much interest for every visitor.

Fotheringhay, Northamptonshire

Opening times

The church is open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Address

Castle Mound
Fotheringhay
Northamptonshire
PE8 5HZ

The church with its distinctive octagonal lantern tower stands between the River Nene and the Willow Brook and looks out across idyllic countryside. Mary Queen of Scots was executed at nearby Fotheringhay Castle. Richard III was born in Fotheringhay.

Taken from Britain Express by David Ross:

Summing up Fotheringhay church I didn't know what to expect when I visited Fotheringhay. If the truth be told I came here just as much to see the castle as the church, but it was the church that really captured my imagination. There's just so much to see and appreciate! If you are a 'Ricardian' (supporter of Richard III) you will be in heaven visiting Fotheringhay, but even if you have only a passing interest in Richard III you will enjoy this spacious church for its wonderful Perpendicular architecture, fascinating history, and associations with some of Britain's most interesting historical figures. The church is generally open daylight hours and is well worth a special trip to see. From the church it is a very short stroll to the castle mound. On the way you will pass New Inn, now Garden Farm. This was built by Edward IV for visitors to the castle, and bears heraldic arms of the House of York around the wide entrance gate. One of the best places to view the church is from the 18th century bridge across the River Nene. This bridge replaces an earlier bridge built by Elizabeth I using stone from the collegiate choir of the church.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Magnificent memorials

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Fascinating churchyard

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Parking within 250m

  • On street parking at church

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Dog friendly

  • Accessible toilets nearby

  • Church of England

  • WREN Heritage Fund Grant, £54,552, 2015

  • WREN (Waste Recycling Environmental)  Funds were awarded for urgent repair projects, based on our recommendation, to help keep churches open.

Contact information

Other nearby churches

St Mary the Blessed Virgin

Warmington, Northamptonshire

The interior of the church is 13th century at its best, with a wooden roof in imitation of stone vaulting and one of the best collections of Green Men in England.

St Andrew

Cotterstock, Northamptonshire

Originally a Norman church with a wide tall chancel added in 1338 when a college here was founded by John Giffard, Canon of York.