More information : (TQ 1791 1140) St Andrew's Church (TU).(1)
St Andrew's church 12th, 17th and 18th century on the site of an earlier church. The nave and choir formerly extended beyond their present limits. "A collegiate establishment here possibly dated back to the time of King Alfred. It was granted by Edward the Confessor to Fecamp Abbey, and restored to that abbey by William the Conqueror. According to Monasticon and Tanner, it became a Benedictine cell, but according to VCH it remained collegiate until it lapsed between 1283 and 1290"(2). Ethelwulf, father of King Alfred, and Saint Cutham were said to have been buried here according to the annals of St Neots(a). A pre-Conquest grave slab has been found.(2-7)
A stone coffin lid in the church porch has a double incised cross "indicating an important person and possibly covered the body of King Ethulwulf buried here in 858AD and eventually reinterred in Winchester Cathedral." (Notice). Also a fine 12thc. stone coffin lid.
There are no traces of the pre-Conquest church or collegiate establishment to be recognised in the fabric of the present very fine Norman church.(8)
Guide book containing detailed architectural description. (8a)
Brief architectural description. (9,10)
Account of history of church and secular college. (11-13)
There are two 11th century grave covers in the south porch, one probably originally from beneath 12th century foundations, the other from the churchyard. (14)
Listed . (15) |