Bourne URC
Bourne, Lincolnshire
Bourne United Reformed Church is a modest building, the churchyard at the front gives the impression of it being somewhat retiring.
In 2025 St Firmin’s celebrated 1,100 years at the heart of Thurlby. Its dedication is unusual: St Firmin, born in Roman Spain, travelled widely before becoming Bishop of Amiens in France.
The oldest part of the present building is the Saxon tower, dating from around 925. During the years of Danish raids across Lincolnshire it served as both a place of worship and a refuge for the local community. Its distinctive long‑and‑short stonework remains visible at the base, and inside a Saxon arch is supported by a later Norman arch. The tower was heightened in the 14th century, with gargoyles, animal carvings, and battlements added in the medieval period.
The Norman era brought major rebuilding. Around 1100 the south doorway, western nave arches, and Barnack stone font were constructed, and the church was consecrated in 1112. This early Norman church was much smaller than the one we see today.
Most of the present layout dates from the extensive 13th century expansion funded by the convent of St Michael & All Angels at Stamford Baron. The nave was lengthened, the chancel added, and the north and south aisles and transepts built, giving the church the cruciform shape it still retains.
Further changes in the 14th and 15th centuries created a lighter, more spacious interior. Larger windows replaced narrow lancets, the roof was raised, and a clerestory added to bring more daylight into the nave. A rood loft and screen once divided nave and chancel; the remains of the medieval stairway can still be seen in the north transept. By the late Middle Ages the church housed five altars and served as an important religious centre for the area.
Only fragments of medieval glass survive, visible in the south transept. Most stained glass now dates from the 19th century, including the east window of Christ in Glory. The reredos with its Early English arches and fish motif also belongs to this period. The organ dates from 1890, and the removal of choir stalls in the 1990s and pews in 2005 created a more flexible worship space.
Today St Firmin’s stands as a layered record of English faith, craftsmanship, and community life. A full history booklet and walk around guide are available.