The old church
The Old Church (the ‘Ruined Church’) in the village is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. It was replaced as the village's parish church by the new St Lawrence Church, built in parkland belonging to Sir Lionel Lyde, the local squire, in its neoclassical style.
The old church is protected as a Grade II listed building, and dates back to the 12th century. The building was partially demolished in 1775 by Sir Lionel, who had acquired a country home, Ayot House, close by. According to legend, Lyde has a strong dislike for the building and was only stopped from completely demolishing it by the then Bishop of Lincoln.
The old church
The Old Church (the ‘Ruined Church’) in the village is dedicated to Saint Lawrence. It was replaced as the village's parish church by the new St Lawrence Church, built in parkland belonging to Sir Lionel Lyde, the local squire, in its neoclassical style.
The old church is protected as a Grade II listed building, and dates back to the 12th century. The building was partially demolished in 1775 by Sir Lionel, who had acquired a country home, Ayot House, close by. According to legend, Lyde has a strong dislike for the building and was only stopped from completely demolishing it by the then Bishop of Lincoln.