St Mary's Church, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
Details
Accessibility:
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-horncastle
2026:
"Facilities:
- Dog friendly
- Accessible toilets in church
- Level access to the main areas
- On street parking at church"
There is free parking for one hour on the roads around the church. There is level access into the church. There are toilets available for public use. Large print service books are available.
Brief Description:
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-horncastle
2026:
"Built in the 13th century, the oldest part is the low tower which is surmounted by a small spirelet that is completely out of proportion with the rest of the building! Standing in the market place, this is believed to be the third church built on the site.
St Mary’s is now a fantastic mixtures of different styles. Externally it appears to be predominantly Victorian and Perpendicular, however enter into this wonderful building and you will see there are elements of Early English style as well. The pillars of the arcade have a pronounced lean towards the south, said by some people to signify the leaning of Christ’s head on the Cross. If correct this would mean the Master Builder deliberately contrived the pillars to be built out of true, which is absurd. The lean is, in fact, due to stresses caused when the Perpendicular style clerestory and heavy wooden roof were added in the 15th century.
There are many features to see within including: beautiful stained glass windows, ten gilded angels in the nave roof, a lepers’ squint and medieval scythes (linked to the War of the Roses or the Lincolnshire Rising).
An exhibition details the links with Alfred Lord Tennyson and hatchments show the connection with The Dymoke Family (the King’s Champion). Nearby are parts of the old Roman wall."
Address:
Church Lane, Horncastle, Lincolnshire LN9 5HW
Email:
mailto:southwoldsgroup@btinternet.com
Phone:
01507 525600
Website:
http://www.southwoldsgroup.org.uk/
Opening Hours:
"Easter to October, daily 10am to 4pm.
November to Easter, Saturday 10am to 12noon, Wednesday 10am to 12noon."
Directions:
From Lincoln (23.1 miles), Take B1226 and A46 and A158 eastbound to West Street in Horncastle. Follow West Street and Bridge Street to Church Lane.
From Skegness (20.5 miles). Take A158 westbound to Stanhope Road in Horncastle. Take Banks Road and High Street to Church Lane.
OS TF258695
Transport:
The closest railway station is Metheringham approximately 13 miles away. Buses operate in and around the area. For more travel information go to http://www.traveline.info or call 0871 200 22 33.
Amenities:
https://www.nationalchurchestrust.org/church/st-mary-horncastle
2026:
"Key features:
Captivating architecture
Famous connections
Glorious furnishings
Magnificent memorials
Social heritage stories
Spectacular stained glass
Facilities
- Bus stop within 100m
- Café within 500m
- Car park at church
- Parking within 250m
- Walkers & cyclists welcome"
Travel Information
For further travel information please see: www.traveline.info
Or call Traveline on 0871 200 22 33
(Calls cost 12p per minute plus your phone company's access charge)
Location
Nearest Venues
Horncastle Library, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
99 metres*
Red Lion Public House, Horncastle, Lincolnshire
170 metres*
*Distances are calculated in a straight line from the current venue, please allow extra time/distance based on available paths or roads.