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This church is not without interest, although architecturally the least impressive of the remaining medieval churches in Stamford. It's particular claim to fame is that it was the chapel of the Order of the Garter prior to the building of St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle.

It consists of an aisled nave with transepts, chancel with 19th century vestries and organ chamber, and a west tower.

The nave and the eastern part of the tower date from the mid 13th century; the arcades are of this period but heightened in the 14th century, as can be seen where the profile of the piers changes from circular to octagonal. The chancel was completely rebuilt in the mid 15th century under the bequest of Sir William Bruges, first Garter King-of-Arms, who died in March 1450. The aisles were completely rebuilt in Perpendicular style towards the end of the century. The tower, which is enclosed within the nave, was rebuilt during the 17th century. It is unusual in being rectangular in plan rather than square. The 13th century tower arch was set higher at the time of rebuilding. The clerestory is thought also to be 17th century.

The chancel roof is original of late 15th century date, and retains its angels on the intermediate rafters. The nave roof is of similar date, remodelled when the clerestory was added, and has lost its angels. The aisle roofs retain some early timbers but have been much rstored.

The font is a plain, octagonal, with a tapering bowl, probably medieval. Other fittings are 19th century or later. Pews have recently been replaced by individual chairs for flexibility of use.

There is some old stained glass, most notably in the window on the north side of the sanctuary. This contains a series of small panes of the late 15th century depicting the Garter with its motto 'Honi soit qui mal y pense', relating to the use of the church as the Chapel of the Order of St George.

Externally the church presents a largely Perpendicular style aspect, the only significant variation being the 17th century west tower.

It is Listed Grade I Link

Created: Wed, 19 Feb 2020, Updated: Wed, 19 Feb 2020