All Saints' Church, Holdenby
Northamptonshire
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About this church
A church that lost its village
Sir Christopher Hatton, Elizabeth I's Lord Chancellor, moved the village of Holdenby when he built his mansion; the church now lies remote and isolated beside fields and a pond, beyond the gardens of Holdenby House. A fine building of local ironstone, it is largely fourteenth century but the chancel was rebuilt in 1845 and Sir George Gilbert Scott restored the church in 1867.
Inside, there is much of interest: an unusual series of seven painted texts, probably Elizabethan; memorials from the thirteenth century onwards, including an incised alabaster slab dedicated to William Holdenby (who died in 1490) and his wife; chancel stalls; an impressive sixteenth-century screen brought from Holdenby House around 1700.
The CCT is working with the owners of Holdenby House to restore the organ to bring it up to a standard for recitals and concerts in the future. Fund raising continues and there is still a need to raise £30,000 to be able to start the work. Please donate to contribute directly to this project. You can find out more here.
To donate by text, please text 'HOY' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.
Access information
Access to the church is via a 500 yard walk along a grassy path.
Facilities & hire
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating, running water or toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor.
- Church available for hire
Directions
6 miles north west of Northampton, between A428 and A5199 in hamlet of Holdenby; church access through stables off Holdenby Road.
Transport
Nearest railway station: Long Buckby (4.5 miles).
History & further information
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT 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.
Warwickshire & Northamptonshire County Guide 2012
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Northamptonshire & Warwickshire. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
