St Peter & St Paul Osbournby

This church stands on a raised churchyard at the eastern end of the main street. It has a short western tower. The stonework is rather disturbed. The south aisle originally extended to embrace the tower but this has since been demolished and the aisle now ends in line with the nave.

Before entering the church note the attractive pointed windows in the south aisle. These are good examples of Gothic tracery from the Decorated period - early to mid 14th-century. On the north side the windows have a different appearance. being less pointed and with flatter heads; these are of a later date and of the Perpendicular style.

The church is entered by the south porch; a steeply gabled structure also 14th-century with blank arcading to the walls inside, and side benches. Look carefully at the graffiti here and also the beautiful oak door in its moulded stone surround.

Inside the church there is plenty to interest the visitor. Unusually there is a very good collection of medieval carved bench ends. Those on the central aisle towards the nave are original. The other ends are all Victorian copies. Also in the church is a good set of photographs of all these ends. Many depict biblical scenes such as the Crucifixion and Adam and Eve. Others are of myths and legends. St. George is here, and a fox preaching to geese!

Also in the nave is the old church clock removed from the tower face, dating from 1740. On the west wall is a good Royal Coat of Arms of George III dated 1797 and a charity board noting a bequest by Mrs. Emma Capps of 20 shillings to the poor of the parish. Of special interest are the two paintings by T. Philips Pinx of Bourne. One of the Virgin Mary flanked by Commandment Boards; the other of a High Priest. One notable architectural historian has suggested that they may be the worst paintings in the county, but still rather likeable.

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