Church of St Margaret of Antioch, Knotting, Bedfordshire

Address:
Melchbourne Road, Knotting, Bedfordshire, MK44 1AF
How to find us | Access information
Opening times:
The church is open daily from 10am to 4pm. For enquiries about this church, please contact Karen Moore 07876 324 554 or [email protected]
  • K Fishwick
  • Alessandra Guiso
  • Overview
  • Map
  • What's nearby

A rector defrocked for betting and cock fighting

This small church, tucked into the north Bedfordshire landscape, is a quintessential vision of the English rural church. It is likely that the church served as the chapel of the nearby manor (long since vanished) and it was once described by Pevsner as 'parabolic and barbaric';. The church has a fine Norman chancel arch, a thirteenth-century south transept, and a tower that was probably added in 1615.

The spiked chancel gates were built in 1637 by order of Archbishop Laud to stop the chancel being used for betting and cock fighting - a pastime for which the rector of the day was defrocked! There is also an interesting collection of seventeenth-century furnishings and fittings, including an unusual seventeenth-century two-decker pulpit with tester.

In the churchyard stands a World War 1 memorial to the men of Knotting, which was erected on the base of a Medieval cross. St Margaret of Antioch was vested in the CCT in 2009 - a 40th birthday present with a difference!

For enquiries about this church, please contact Karen Moore 07876 324 554 or [email protected]

To donate by text, please text 'KNT' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.

Knotting Guide

  • Access information

    There are steps up from the road to the churchyard. Wheelchair access beyond this into church is possible along the path, but there are also two steps into church.

  • Facilities & Hire

    Knotting church is suitable for up to 60 people. There is electric lighting. There is no water or toilet facilities.

  • Directions
    8 miles north of Bedford and 2 miles south of Rushden, off A6 Bedford Road
  • Transport

    Nearest railway station: Wellingborough (6.8 miles). Bus route number 25.

  • History & Further Information

    Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church before you visit? You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.

    Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, and London County Guide 2012

    This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches we care for in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & London. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.

     

  • Community information

    Useful local links:

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