Ken Ince's Pictures of Ketton

St Mary the Virgin, Ketton

The church of St Mary The Virgin stands at the centre of the village close to a stream, the distinctive tower and spire dominating the landscape. However it has to compete with the cement works which is also very prominent. The church here is made of Barnack stone and is mainly a thirteenth century rebuilding of an earlier structure. Building work had been underway and appears to have stopped for a number of years towards the end of the 12th century. The hugely impressive west door, pictured above, can be dated to around 1190. Soon after building stopped. Perhaps finances ran out. Whatever happened, in 1232 Bishop Hugh De Wells gave a release of 20 days penance for anyone helping to rebuilt the church, which was in a 'ruinous' condition. Most of the present structure was built during the thirteenth century, following that call for help, and the church was re-dedicated in 1240. In the fourteenth century the spire was built and new windows were added to the north aisle and the west end of the nave. The walls of the aisles were heightened and the south porch was added. The following century saw the addition of the clerestory. In 1861 the church, to the west of the chancel, was restored under Sir Gilbert Scott and in 1863 the chancel was restored under the direction of TG Jackson. Six bells hang here.

This picture appears in the following picture tours:
Ketton, Churches around Peterborough, Churches

Camera Make: Panasonic Model: DMC-TZ40