Nominal: 829.5 Hz Weight: 896 lbs Diameter: 36.25" Bell 1 of 1
Founded by Newcombe (generic)
Dove Bell ID: 175 Tower ID: 17654 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Turnings: quarter Cracked: No
Apethorpe: St Leonard
Diocese of Peterborough
Church, 628300
This church is on the Heritage at Risk Register (verified 2025-11-06)
View more information about this church on the Heritage at Risk website
Overview
Grid reference: TL 24 957
This archetypal medieval church is set in the heart of the village. It abuts a clearly later square tower ( 1633) topped by a good spire and on the south side a chapel, re fashioned in 1621, juts into the churchyard. These two later changes reflect the patronage of the Fane (later Earls of Westmorland) who inherited the estate from the Mildmays. The latter had arrived here in the 1550’s and were the original creators of Apethorpe Hall / Palace, one of the most magnificent 16th century houses in the county. The south chapel became their mausoleum centred on the truly magnificent tomb to Anthony Mildmay (d. 1613) by the royal sculptor Maximillian Colt. Raised on a great marble plinth it is like a huge four poster bed with it’s curtains drawn back by the Cardinal Virtues: above a dome and lantern where perch Faith, Hope and Charity. Beyond can be glimpsed the beautifully coloured contemporary English stained glass windows. Elsewhere in the body of the church you will discover further examples of this family’s generosity – 18th century marble font, panelled pulpit and coloured glass above the high altar by John Rowell of High Wycombe, 1732. The painting of Christ walking upon the Waters is by the Scottish artist Robert Scott Lauder (1803 – 1869).
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Open daily 8am to 6pm. Useful contact numbers Church Wardens: Richard Parkinson 01780 470653 and Tamara Ord 01780 470683
Building
Ground Plan Description and Dimensions
Footprint of Church buildings: 369 m²
Interior
Bells
Churchyard
Grid reference: TL 24 957
Burial and War Grave Information
The church/building is consecrated.
The churchyard has been used for burial.
The churchyard is used for burial.
The churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
Environment
Ancient, Veteran & Notable Trees
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
There are no records of Ancient, Veteran or Notable Trees within the curtilage of this site.
Renewables
| Renewable | Installed |
|---|---|
| Solar PV Panels | No |
| Solar Thermal Panels | No |
| Biomass | No |
| Wind Turbine | No |
| Air Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ground Source Heat Pump | No |
| Ev Charging | No |
Species summary
There are no records of species within the curtilage of this site.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
'Seek advice' Species
More information on species and action to be taken upon discovery.
Caring for God's Acre is a conservation charity working to support groups and individuals to investigate, care for, and enjoy the wildlife and heritage treasures found within churchyards and other burial grounds. Look on their website for information and advice and please contact their staff directly. They can help you manage this churchyard for people and wildlife.
To learn more about all the species recorded against this church, go to the Burial Ground Portal within the NBN Atlas. You can check the spread of records through the years, discovering what has been recorded and when, plus what discoveries might remain to be uncovered.
Further information
Submit a change
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