This noble medieval building remains the dominant architectural feature of this ancient market town. It’s handsome tower and tall spire is strikingly visible especially from the south if you drive here from Northampton.
Its dignity is enhanced by being at the end of a short tree-lined avenue which runs off the High Street. It is at this point that the splendour of the balanced west front opens up to the visitor. This is fine English gothic architecture of circa 1500 i.e. just before the Reformation.
Internally the nave is the finest element with six harmonious bays each with four concave and convex ribs to the sides the balance of matching large windows through which light pours. From the same period are the two very large wall painting of an Annunciation at the east end of the nave. Though faded they give a good idea of the refinement of English art of this period. The north, or Lady chapel is a very good example of early 20th century remodelling in High Church style.
You enter through a wrought iron part-gilded screen by one of the leading Anglo – Catholic designers, Martin Travers, 1926. He was a pupil of Ninian Comper who may have had a hand in arranging the chapel itself. The window to the left is by him.
As you leave the church note the unusual art nouveau bronze plaque set up by the town in memory of the local artist John Trivett Nettleship (1841 – 1902). It was designed by Sir George Frampton whose best-known work is his statue to Peter Pan. Nettleship was an animal painter particularly famous for his drawings of lions. One of the beasts appears on the plaque.
Please refer to the Glossary for any terms in the text that you are unfamiliar with.
