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- Knotting, Bedfordshire (Church of St Margaret of Antioch)
This small church, tucked into the north Bedfordshire landscape is a quintessential vision of the English rural church. It is likely that the church served as the chapel of the nearby manor (long since vanished) and it was once described by Pevsner as 'parabolic and barbaric’.
The church has a fine Norman chancel arch, a 13th-century south transept, and a tower that was probably added in 1615.
The spiked chancel gates were built in 1637 by order of Archbishop Laud to stop the chancel being used for betting and cock fighting – a pastime for which the rector of the day was defrocked!
There is also an interesting collection of 17th-century furnishings and fittings, including an unusual 17th-century two-decker pulpit with tester.
In the churchyard stands a World War 1 memorial to the men of Knotting, which was erected on the base of a Medieval cross.
St Margaret of Antioch was vested in the CCT in 2009 - a 40th birthday present with a difference!
To locate this church on a map, click on the 'View on map' link that appears below the address information at the top of the page.
8 miles north of Bedford and 2 miles south of Rushden, off A6 Bedford Road
Nearest railway station: Wellingborough (6.8 miles). Bus route number 25.
TL 004 636
01/05/12
Following on from the success of our Discover Wallpaintings project last year we are delighted to announce the launch of…
St Michael's Church, Farndish, Bedfordshire
A gorgeous little church with a polychrome doorway
St Andrew's Church, Cranford, Northamptonshire
Sumptuous memorials to 300 years of family history
Bushmead Priory
Bushmead Priory is a rare survival of the complete refectory of an Augustinian priory, with a fine timber roof and notable 14th century wall paintings.
Lyveden New Bield
National Trust property
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Click on images to view larger
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Why not make your visit more enjoyable and informed by finding out more about this church and the CCT before you visit?
You can download a range of publications below including the relevant county guide, and any walk round guides we have for this church.
Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & London County Guide (PDF, 4.6mb)
This free of charge short guide contains details of all the churches CCT cares for in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex & London. Printed copies of the county guide are also available at the church.
St Michael's Church, Farndish, Bedfordshire A gorgeous little church with a polychrome doorway Farndish, Wellingborough, Bedfordshire, NN29 7HJ
See church page
St Andrew's Church, Cranford, Northamptonshire Sumptuous memorials to 300 years of family history Grafton Road, Cranford, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 4AD
See church page
All Saints' Church, Aldwincle, Northamptonshire A Medieval wonder in a pretty village Thorpe Road, Aldwincle, Kettering, Northamptonshire, NN14 3EA
See church page
Bushmead Priory Bushmead Priory is a rare survival of the complete refectory of an Augustinian priory, with a fine timber roof and notable 14th century wall paintings. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/bushmead-priory
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
All our Bedfordshire churches are in CCT’s South East region.
Bedfordshire Local History Association
Bedfordshire Family History Society
Bedford is in the Diocese of St Albans
Bedford Borough Council Local History & Heritage information
Last year, we welcomed over two million visitors to our churches. If each person donated just £2, this would enable us to keep our churches open, safe and watertight for you and future generations to enjoy.
Text code 'OCCT05' to 70070 to donate now (free from all networks).
Or use the button below to donate online.
If the access information for this church is listed as 'Keyholder nearby', this means that the key is kept by one of our invaluable volunteer 'keyholders', who usually live just a short walk from the church and can give visitors the key; sometimes this is a nearby hotel, pub, library, art gallery or other venue. You will find instructions explaining how to get the key when you arrive at the church.
There are steps up from the road to the churchyard. Wheelchair access beyond this into church is possible along the path, but there are also two steps into church.
Due to the historic nature of our buildings, only a very small number of them have heating or running water meaning that they can be cold, and very rarely have toilet facilities. The lighting is usually operated via a 'push button' timer or a motion sensor. We do apologise for any inconvenience the lack of facilities may cause.
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EC1A 9EE
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I have lived on the northants bedfordshire border all my life. In 1971 I sat my Olevel Architecture exam and completed a project on St Margarets. I remember the interior being very peaceful and beautiful and I have returned many times but have not been able to gain access. I also remember a touching inscription on a tomb inside the church which read "Consider reader as you look how suddenly the soul was took. Pray take heeding from my fall and be ready at Christ's call"