St Bartolomew's, Great Stukeley

The church of St Bartholomew is set in some exquisite countryside. The church is set on the edge of unbroken Cambridgeshire fens and a single Red Kite circled around the fields at the side of the church looking for food. This is the furthest south that I have seen a Red Kite whilst researching this site, although I have been told that they have moved a lot further south than this!   The almost obligatory white thatched cottage stands at the side of the church and, as at neighbouring Little Stukeley, a war memorial stands proudly in the church grounds. Also, as with Little Stukeley, the church is kept locked. There is no keyholder, churchwardens or rector listed. I met a very nice lady in the churchyard, and enjoyed chatting to her for a while. She told me that services still took place here...but if it wasn't for that, I could have left here not really knowing if St Bartholomew was still used for regular worship. She also said to me that the church was very nice inside, but I will have to take her word on that! Having said all that, the church grounds here were very well kept, and someone obviously put time and effort in keeping the place in good order.   There was a church mentioned here in the Domesday Survey of 1086. That early structure would have been wooden, and has long since gone, but there is evidence to suggest that a more sunstantial stone church was here in the 12th century. The earliest parts of the present structure date from around 1250, with nave and north arcade, and a very wide north aisle dating from around then. The south artcade, aisle and the chancel date from a little later.    Much rebuilding was done here in the 15th century, including the rebuilding of the chancel arch and the porch in around 1470. The west tower dates from the late 15th century and at roughly the same time the clerastory was added to the nave. The porch was altered in the 17th century and the whole church was restored in the middle of the 19th century, and again in 1909-10.   Interestingly, as with neighbouring Little Stukeley, there is evidence of stonework being re-used in later walls. Here at St Bartholomew, we can see 13th century coffin lids built in to the walls.    The tower is perpundicular, and is heavily buttressed. Some very well carved grotesques sit, or should I say crouch, part way up the tower. These are strange, winged creatures, and look as if they are about to launch themselves off of the tower on to those unfortunate enough to be standing below. These are really nice pieces of work.

Great Stukeley Cambridgeshire