St John's History

EAST TRENT CHURCHES
Besthorpe, Clifton, Collingham,
Girton, Harby, Holme, Langford, South Scarle, Thorney, Winthorpe

St John's History

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St. John the Baptist (South Collingham)
(By Di Smith)

St. John the Baptist stands on a rise above the River Fleet. A church stood here in Saxon times. The church is entered by the south door. This is an early 20^thcentury replacement of the 1641 strap-hinged door.

The oldest part of the present building is the north arcade, dating from the early 12th century. The western arch is highly decorated with Norman chevrons. It may have been the intention of the architect to draw the immediate attention of those entering

The south arcade is Early English. One of the figures between the arches is sticking out its tongue. Could this be a reaction to the dragon opposite?

The windows and doorway of the north aisle date from the 14th century.

There is some evidence of a 15th century chapel. The piscina would have been by the side of the altar.

In the south aisle, the window nearest the east end is early 17th century. Earlier records refer to a specific date 1623 being carved on it. The neighbouring window is of the Decorated style. The piscina suggests an attached chapel which may have been screened off from the main body of the church.

The base moulding and tower arch are the oldest portions of Early English work dating from the early 13th century. The upper stages of the tower are Perpendicular.

The tower was restored in 1886 and in late 2004 it was necessary to close the church while the pinnacles were repaired. The ring of five bells were cast in 1841 and replaced the ring of four dating from 1638.

The font is octagonal on shafts dating from the 13th century. The cover is 20th century.

The chancel dates from the 14th century. On the north side of the altar is a blocked up doorway which once led to a vestry. This has been mistaken for an Easter Sepulchre.

On the south side is a low transom window dating from the 14th century which at one time had a shutter affixed. It is thought that its purpose was to allow Communion and Confession without infected people entering the church. The organ dates from 1883. The rood screen was installed in 1940 in memory of Rev. A.J. Maxwell, Rector from 1907 to 1937.

Other features include a fine set of the Stations of the Cross which were acquired in 1987. By the South Door is a memorial to those who perished in the First and Second World Wars. A separate Roll of Honour lists the men of South Collingham who served in the Second World War, including those who survived. A wooden cross above the south door is the original grave marker of Captain T.H.C. Woolley, a member of a prominent Collingham family, who was killed in action in France in 1917.

The list of incumbents names a priest called Thomas Magnus who was appointed Rector in 1498. He is believed to be the same Thomas Magnus who founded a Grammar School and a Song School in Newark. There is no medieval stained glass in St. John’s. It is all Victorian or early 20th century from a time when, thanks to benefactors, the church underwent much restoration.

The registers date from 1553. Beyond the graveyard towards the River Fleet, is the village cemetery.

Still interested? Click to look into St Helena's History . . .

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