The church of Brattleby St. Cuthbert reminds us of the influence of the Celtic church in Lindsey, dating back to the visits of St. Chad, around 650 AD and the pioneering work of St. Cuthbert in Northumbria.

In Domesday, 1086, it was recorded as ‘belonging to’ the bishop of Durham, unlike neighbouring churches’ affiliation with Lincoln.

A brief summary of Celtic philosophy embodies living In the community, celebrating God in everyday things, with no divide between secular and sacred, time to contemplate, hospitality, love of nature and discovery.

In its beautiful, wooded setting, (just stop and listen to the birdsong), this church has remarkable Saxon features, the incised base of a cross, the arched doorway and ‘long and short’ stonework in the tower. The arcade in the nave is late Norman, C13, with a C14 arch between chancel and north aisle. An ornate C14 piscina survives in the chancel.

The church was substantially rebuilt during Victorian times, a reminder of the generosity of the Wright family. A Nattes drawing , 1793, in comparison, shows the position of two south doors and a NE extension.

The stunning, pastel marble reredos, 1869, is surmounted by two stone angels, memorials to brothers who died in a polio epidemic. Exquisite carved panels fronting the altar are the work of a local craftsman. There is a ‘distinguished’ organ and interesting font. Is it Victorian, or very much older, ‘tidied up’ to look quite ordinary?

A place of beauty and tranquillity, this church invites you to stop and ponder.

For any information about St Cuthbert’s Church Brattleby please call Mr Jonathan Wright, Hon. Churchwarden, on 01522 730761.

For information about Church services please click Rota of Church Services.