Church of St Margaret of Antioch, Knotting
Bedfordshire
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About this Church
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!
To donate by text, please text 'KNT' to 70970 to donate £5 and to 70191 to donate £10. Thank you.
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.
- Church Available for Hire
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.
Historic churches in Bedfordshire Essex Greater London Hertfordshire Guide
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.
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.
