This week we were joined by work experience student Sophie, who highlighted one of her favourite historic sites, St Wulfram’s church, in her guest blog.
St Wulfram’s church is a Grade I listed medieval parish church located in the historic market town of Grantham, which can be found on Church Street. It is a short 5-minute walk from the town centre, making it an ideal attraction for those visiting the area. This gothic church was named the finest non-cathedral English church in a 2020 contest ran by poet Jay Hulme. It was also described as having “the finest steeple in England” in author Simon Jenkin’s book, England’s Thousand Best Churches.
This parish church is a must visit for those interested in history and architecture. St Wulfram’s boasts a 84m spire, making it the second highest of any Anglican parish church in the UK. The site has been a place of worship dedicated to St Wulfram for 1000 years and was recorded in the 1086 Domesday Book, however a fire in 1222 destroyed much of the original building. The exterior of the church recognisable to visitors today dates back to around the 1500s and is made from Lincolnshire limestone likely sourced from nearby Ancaster.
Many original medieval architectural features are still present inside, including stone heads that have looked down on visitors for 700 years. These capture a wide array of faces, from kings and queens to a hippo’s head that can be found in the Lady Chapel. Near the organ you can also find some Saxon herringbone stonework and some late Norman work is represented by four pairs of nave piers. While no original medieval windows have survived, St Wulfram’s has a vast collection of beautiful stained glass with the oldest dating back to the mid-19th century.
The church is also home to the oldest public reference library in England. The Trigge Chained Library was established in 1598 by Puritan clergyman Francis Trigge and can still be found in its original setting. Here, you can find over 80 volumes attached to the shelves by chain, including a book printed in Venice dating back to 1472. The library opening hours for visitors are 10:00am-12:00pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays from April to the end of September. For anyone visiting the church during these hours, a visit to this piece of history is simply unmissable*.
Those visiting with family can also enjoy the many scheduled events that the church has to offer. Events are frequently hosted at St Wulfram’s which are open to all members of the public, including light shows, silent discos, chair yoga and more. Tickets for such events can be purchased at https://www.stwulframs.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-activities
St Wulfram’s is open to all visitors from Monday to Saturday from 9:00am-5:00pm and on Sunday from 8:00am to 8:00pm. Any further enquiries can be made to the Parish Office, telephone 01476 561342 or email admin@stwulframs.com.
* Please note access to the Trigge Library is via a steep, narrow staircase which is not accessible to those with limited mobility and may not suit those with claustrophobia.
