Much of this church was pulled down, and rebuilt in 1666, apart from the tower which is late 14th century. The new building was erected by Lord Montagu, whose coat of arms can be seen on the west tower. The name "MOVNTAGV" (please note the difference in spelling and the reversed letter N) is also to be seen carved high up on the south wall. Close by is carved the name "THORNHILL". I did a little internet research but cannot find a connection between the two names. Very faded, and hidden away at the side of the south doorway, are the initials E.T.H and the year 1667. Ancient graffiti on churches is fairly commonplace, but perhaps these are the initials of the master builder, all those years ago.
Restoration work was done here in Victorian times. In 1872 the nave was restored, and the chancel and south porch added. The chancel arch is believed to have been a copy of a previous ancient arch, and it is thought that some of the original stonework was incorporated in to the replacement arch.
See http://www.robschurches.moonfruit.com/#/hemington/4530366402 for further information.
