SK8282 : Interior, St Nicholas' church, Littleborough
taken 8 years ago, near to Littleborough, Nottinghamshire, England
The church consists of a Nave with west bellcote and Chancel, with the entrance through a West door.It is of ancient origin, although there is some doubt as to the foundation date. It is not mentioned in the Domesday Book. However, the presence of Roman bricks and Anglo-Saxon "herringbone" masonry in the external walls suggests the church predates the Norman Conquest. It may have been founded during the Roman occupation or during the Anglo-Saxon period, at which time Roman masonry was reused, a common practice. It has also been suggested that the church was founded by William the Conqueror, who held a manor at Mansfield.
The church was little altered during succeeding centuries, although the bells are thought to have been added in 1200 and 1350.
The church was restored in 1832, at which point the vestry was added. Further restorations were carried out in 1900 and 1973. The church was placed in the care of The Churches Conservation Trust in 1993.
The font appears medieval but is actually 17th century with heraldic symbols such as a fleur-de-lis painted on the lid.
The chancel arch is 11th century, believed to have been built around the time of the Norman Conquest although it bears none of the typical decoration of later Norman arches such as zigzag patterns. The chancel arch pillars have carved capitals and are thought to date back to Anglo-Saxon times.
The small organ has only one manual and four stops.
The piscina is 14th century.
The church is Listed Grade I