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This church was built in 1892 to replace the medieval church of St Mary which had become very dilapidated and was in any case at some distance from the village. It was built at the expense of Robert Millington Knowles of Colston Bassett Hall in memory of his wife and of his son John Knowles, who was drowned having taken up the offer of a day’s fishing aged 21. This is commemorated by a plaque in the north aisle.

The architect was Arthur W Brewill of Nottingham and the church is in Perpendicular style. The layout is cruciform, comprising nave with aisles and a two bay cancel. The western bay of the chancel forms the crossing with north and south transepts and tower with spire over. The north transept forms a family chapel while the south transept has vestries with an organ loft over.

The nave and aisles consist of three bays, with the capitals of the arcades decorated with extensive foliage carving. In the spandrels of the arcades are corbels, carrying the main roof supports, depicting angel musicians. There is a further pair of angels on the east wall of the nave above the chancel arch.

The interior fittings are all contemporary with the church, comprising bench pews, choir stalls with poppy-head ends, an ornate oak pulpit and a wooden eagle lectern. There is an ornate font in the south aisle with an open-work arcade below the bowl. Below the east window is a stone reredos comprising 5 niches with painted figures of saints. At the west end is a special enclosed family pew with upholstered bench seating and an elaborate canopy for the occupant of Colston Bassett Hall.

In the north transept chapel is a fine monument to Alice Catherine Knowles in memory of whom the church was built. There is also a 15th century font which may have been transferred from the old church.

The church is Listed Grade II
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For more information about this church, visit the Southwell & Nottingham Church History Project Link

Created: Fri, 17 Apr 2026, Updated: Fri, 17 Apr 2026