Heritage Open Days @ St John the Baptist (Achurch)

About

St John the Baptist Church, Achurch, Nr Oundle, Peterborough, Northamptonshire, PE8 5SL

Explore this beautiful church, dating from the 13th century. Join a guided tour or use the self-guided leaflet to explore at your own pace. For children there is a free trail. The church is also open for Ride and Stride. Refreshments available.

The church of St John the Baptist stands on the Nene Way, a short distance from the village of Achurch. Traditionally, its foundation is linked to the De Waterville family, lords of the manor, who are said to have built the church as a thanksgiving for a safe return from crusade. The Rev. Robert Browne, a controversial figure linked to the foundation of the non-conformist movement, was rector of the church for some 40 years. Later becoming the church for the Lilford estate, it houses monuments from Lilford church which was demolished in the 18th century, including some well preserved 17th century memorial tablets. A visit to the church tells the history not just of the building itself but of how the village and its neighbouring settlements changed and developed over the centuries. Explore the history and architecture of this rural area or simply enjoy its tranquil setting.

Event Times

Saturday 11 September: Church open 1000 - 1600 for guided tours on request or self guided tours all day
Sunday 12 September: 1000 - 1600 for self guided tours all day
Saturday 18 September: 1000 - 1600 for guided tours on request or self guided tours all day
Sunday 19 September: 1000 - 1600 for self guided tours all day

No booking required

Access

The church is accessed by a single track road with limited parking on the road and in the churchyard. Disabled parking close to the main church entrance is available, as is a wheelchair ramp. Most of the interior is accessible by wheelchair, though the tower and chancel are accessed by steps. Outside, there is a pathway around the church, but there are some areas of uneven ground.

COVID-19 Considerations

This event will run in line with local & national government guidelines at the time of the festival. Hand sanitiser is available at the entrance to the church and the guided tour will follow a set route to support any social distancing measures that may be in place.

Additional Information

Max 15 people per tour/session. taking 30 - 45 mins. The church will be open for visitors to explore both its interior and exterior, subject to any government restrictions that may be put in place. If it should become impossible for the church to be open, there will be a guided tour leaflet available covering the exterior of the church and the churchyard. Contact for the day: Carmel Crawley 07730682299