Rushden Research Group: Knotting Church

Knotting Church

Knotting Church - photograph by E F Clark

Knotting Church in 2010 - roof repairs

The Church is dedicated to St Margaret of Antioch. There is an arch leading to the tower in the west wall suggesting it has Saxon origins. It certainly was built before 1176 when the Bishop of Exeter arbitrated in a dispute between the hospital of St John of Jerualem and the Priory of St Neots. An arch between the Nave and the Chancel is considered to be c1140, and the Chancel was rebuilt in the 14thC. There was a south aisle but this was demolished in 1645. The door is believed to be 16thC and is now protected by a porch added by Mr. C Magniac of Colworth in 1888, and the 14thC font was lined with lead in the same year. The oak pews date from before the Reformation, and the pulpit and sounding board are 17thC.

In recent years Bob Frost has built fine new gates for the churchyard entrance and a shed for storage. Care of the church has building now been taken over by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Extracts typed from J E Smith's notebooks

Old Church 'Clock' Rushden, Mr Fisher told me on Saturday Feb 15th 1908, that the 1st Clock from Rushden Church is in Wymington Church, & the date upon it was 1736, made at & sold by a man at Kettering. Stanwick, Wellingborough & Knotting Church Clocks were by the same man, so I do not now know whether the Clock 'Weight’ I found last Sunday (Feb 9 1908) in the yard against Vestry Hall (& which is now inside the organ case) belonged to the Clock at Wymington or the one at Hargrave; the 'weight' is a very rough stone with ring put in with lead. J E Smith.

Maker's name on the clock at Hargrave - Joseph Eayre, maker Kettering.

Our present Clock and Chimes by Gillet & Bland (Croydon)


	Photograph by The Churches Conservation Trust

In memory of Richard Maxey

who Departed this Life

Dec ye 2nd

1769

Consider Reader as you look

How suddenly the Soul was took

Pray take warning by my fall

And be ready at Christ’s call.

c1900

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