Tichmarch is about a mile to the south east of Thrapston, with the church of St Mary The Virgin standing proud in its perpundicular glory on high ground. This is a lovely village, with thatched cottages standing opposite the church. A large, boisterous, and very wet dog called Nelly provided the entertainment as its "owners" tried unsuccessfully to keep her out of the church after she had managed to open the church gate herself with her nose!    A small village, but with one or two famous inhabitants over the years. John Dryden, who was Poet Laureate from 1670 until 1688 was born in the village in 1613. Also in 1613 Sir Gilbert Pickering was born, who was to become Lord Chamberlain to Oliver Cromwell.    Samuel Pepys came to the village in 1668 to be present at the marriage of his friend John Creed to Elizabeth Pickering; and Robert Keys, who married Margaret Pickering, was a principal agent in the Gun Powder plot in 1605    There has been a church here since at least the 12th cnetury, as a doorway dating from that time can be seen in the chancel. The present structure as can be seen today was built in the late 15th century, with the tower, clerastory and south porch all being added at that time. The porch started out life as a single story, but a second story was added in 1583, this being a private pew for the Pickering family, and just to make sure that they kept warm whilst worshiping they even had a fireplace built in it. The north arcade dates from the 13th century, whilst the south arcade is mid 14th century. See http://www.robschurches.moonfruit.com/#/tichmarsh/4542138146 for further details.

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