Bell 1 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50078 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Woodhall Spa: St Peter
Overview
Grid reference: TF 197 632
Visiting and facilities
Building is open for worship
Building
Description of Archaeology and History
Towards the end of the nineteenth century the pretty, stone church of St Andrew, at the crossroads in Woodhall Spa, was too small to accommodate the growing population of the village. This was particularly the case in summer when hundreds of visitors arrived for the Spa Season.
In 1892 a meeting was held in the Chapter House of Lincoln Cathedral to discuss plans for a new building. It was chaired by the Dean of Lincoln and attended by various dignitaries, as well as the Vicar of St Andrew’s, the Rev H. Benwell, M.A. The architect involved was Mr. Charles Hodgson Fowler, who was responsible for renovations and extensions to many Lincolnshire churches, as well as the construction of new ones, of which St. Peter’s was the last. The well regarded firm, Bowman of Stamford was employed to erect the building. The foundation stone was laid by Rt. Hon. Edward Stanhope, M.P. for Horncastle, on Easter Tuesday, 11th March 1893 and the new church was licensed by Bishop King of Lincoln in September of that year.
Constructed of brick, with a wooden floored nave, there was no Chancel, Lady Chapel, Vestry or Organ Loft. There were chairs to seat 500 people, 2 “Tortoise” stoves for heating and the organ was borrowed from St. Andrew’s. In succeeding years, Bazaars, Sales of Work and other money raising events were held towards the erection of the Chancel. This was completed, with a large, plain East window, in 1904. It was not until 1915 that St. Peter’s was legally designated the Parish Church of Woodhall Spa, in place of St. Andrew’s.
Interior
Interior Description
On entering the building, visitors see a spacious, high vaulted building with panelled walls. The panelling was completed in 1928. There are now pews, carved by the well-known local firm, E. Czajkowski and Son, which began to replace the original chairs in 1957.
Looking up the nave, is the intricately carved Rood Screen at the entrance to the Chancel. Constructed of oak, it was designed by Mr. W. H. Wood F.R.I.B.A. and executed by Bowman’s in 1920. The Reredos behind the altar, also of oak, is decoratively carved in late Gothic style. It was made by H. Hems and Sons of Exeter and presented by the widow of Colonel Cator in memory of her husband after his death in 1900.
There are several stained glass windows of interest. Permission to replace the large, plain East window was obtained in 1919 and it is now a rich mosaic of deeply coloured glass with a luminous centre of white shot with gold. It depicts Christ surrounded by prophets, apostles and martyrs. Another eye catching window was installed in 2004. It shows St Peter with fishing net among rippling waves in shades of turquoise and blue. The names of the members of the family in whose memory the window was erected are cleverly inscribed among the waves.
Various plaques on the walls are of interest, including one to Rev. Benwell, who, after the building of St. Peter’s was Vicar of both it and St. Andrew’s for several years. He died in 1918, aged 84.
There is a touching memorial to Capt. Hewson Street, M.C. with Bar, who was killed in battle in 1918, aged 24. Names of other local victims of both World Wars are incorporated in the Rood Screen.
On the West wall is the crest and motto of No. 617 Squadron, R.A.F. Formed at Scampton in March 1943.
Alterations to the building over the years include the construction of stairs to an organ loft, in 1930. The loft housed a hand pumped organ by Jardine of Manchester. Later, an electric organ replaced the original instrument.
A recent innovation was a sound loop system to help the hard of hearing which was installed in 2002 -2003.
The original tubular bells were housed in a “bell shelter” at the West end of the church but in the 1930s the bell turret was built at the East end of the building.
Bells
Bell 2 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50079 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 3 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50080 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 4 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50081 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 5 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50082 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 6 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50083 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 7 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50084 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Bell 8 of 8
Founded by Harrington, Latham & Co 1895
Dove Bell ID: 50085 Tower ID: 25106 - View Tower Listed: No Canons: Removed Cracked: No
Churchyard
Grid reference: TF 197 632
Burial and War Grave Information
It is unknown whether the building is consecrated.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has been used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard is used for burial.
It is unknown whether the churchyard has war graves.
National Heritage record for England designations
There are no records of National Heritage assets within the curtilage of this site.
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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