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Strictly this is a chapel rather than a church, as it has never had its own rector, being under the control of the Knights Templar from its formation in the 12th century. It has however always served as the parish church for the villages of Wycomb and Chadwell.

The church was founded in the first half of the 12th century with aisled nave, chancel and west tower. It is built largely in the richly coloured local ironstone, with limited use of limestone dressing. The Templars made significant additions in the 13th century. The chancel was extended, the south aisle rebuilt, with porch and an additional stage added to the tower.

A clerestory was added in the 15th century and new windows inserted in the south aisle probably in the 16th century. The north aisle was removed and the arcade blocked up in the 18th century, giving the layout of the church as it is today.

Major changes were made during the restoration of 1865-66 by R W Johnson. He removed the clerestory with the idea of restoring the church to its 13th century form, including remodelling the aisle windows in the style of those in the chancel. He was also responsible for the windows in the blocked north arcade which are not medieval in form.

Despite the restoration, much medieval work remains. The north aisle arcade retains the original early 12th century capitals on the interior side, and the tower arch is also Norman, but later. The south arcade dates from the 13th century rebuilding, in a plain style found throughout the county of Leicester, but with added nail head decoration. The lower two stages of the tower are also early 12th century, with 13th century third stage. The font is also of Norman date, and shows some unusually crude arcading work.

There is a combined piscina and aumbry in the chancel which is stylistically consistent with the 13th century extension of the chancel.

Other interior fittings are 19th century or later.


It is Listed Grade II* Link

I am indebted to the comprehensive description and history of the church displayed in the church for the details in this description.

Created: Wed, 11 Mar 2020, Updated: Wed, 11 Mar 2020